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A HAND-BOOK 



FOR 



Ruling Elders 



BY 

REV. JOHN S.'WATKINS, D. D., 

Pastor of. Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg, S. C. 

AUG 20 1895 



RICHMOND, VA. : 
Presbyterian Committee of Publication. 
1895. 

K 




Copyrighted by 
JAMES K. HA ZEN, Secretary of Publication,. 
1 895. 



Printed by 
Whittet & Skeppekson, 
Richmond, Va. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Introduction, . 5 

PART I. 

CHAPTER I. 

A Brief Statement of the Scriptural Authority 

for the Office of Ruling Elder, ... 9 

CHAPTER II. 

The Duties of Elders, 21 

(1) , The Elder in the Family, .... 22 

(2) , The Elder in Business and Society, . . 27 

(3) , The Elder in the Church, .... 29 
(<?), The Duty of General Visitation, . . 30 
(b), The Visitation of the Sick, the Afflicted and 

the Poor, ... ... 31 

(V), Duty to Backsliding Members, ... 34 

(d), The Oversight of the Young, ... 37 

(V), The Maintenance of Public Worship, . . 42 

(f) , The Development of the Spiritual Forces 

of the Church, ...... 45 

(g) , Elder's Duties as a Member of the Session, 52 

(4) , The Elder in the Higher Courts, ... 56 

CHAPTER III. 

The Qualifications of Elders, .... 63 



PART II. 

Forms, Helps and Suggestions, .... 73 
I. Selections of Scripture and a Form of Prayer for 

the Use of Elders in the Sick Room, . . 73 



4 Contents. 

Page. 



Selections: (1), The Good Shepherd (Psalm 

xxiii.; John x. 1-18), . . 73 

(2) , The Security of the Christian 

(Rom. viii. 26-39), . . 75 

(3) , The Sympathy of Jesus (Heb. 

ii. 9-18, &c), ... 77 

(4) , Praise and Thanksgiving (Psa. 

ciii.) ... .78 

A Form of Prayer for the Sick Room, ... 80 

II. Selections of Scripture and a Form of Prayer 

for the Chamber of Bereavement, ... 82 

Selections: (1), Submission (Heb. xii. 1-17), . 82 

(2) , Comfort (John xiv. 1-27), . 84 

(3) , Safety (Psa. xci.), ... 86 

(4) , Precious Consolations (2 Cor. iv. 

17, 18: Isa. xliii. 2, 3 ; 1 Peter 

' iv. 12, 13: Job v. 17-19, &c), 87 

A Form of Prayer for the Bereaved, ... 89 

III. A Form of Service for the Burial of the Dead, 91 
(a), A General Service, ..... 91 

(£), A Service for a Child, 95 

(<:), A Service for an Aged Person, ... 98 

A Form of Prayer, 69 

Service at the Grave, 100 



IV. Directions for Conducting a Service for a Sun- 
day-school, 102 

V. Suggestions in Regard to Public Worship for 

the use of Elders in the Absence of the Pastor, 105 



VI. Order of Service for a Prayer-meeting, . . 108 
VII. How to Call a Pastor, . . . ... 110 

VIII. A Docket for Sessional Use, .... 113 

IX. A Constitution for a Christian Workers' Asso- 
ciation, ........ 114 

X. Rules of Parliamentary Order, . . .117 



INTRODUCTION. 



THE writer of this little treatise was ap- 
pointed by Enoree Presbytery to prepare 
a manual for the use of ruling elders. 
The need for such a work was very apparent 
Many of the churches held religious services 
only once a month, and several of them were 
vacant. Special demands were made upon the 
elders, and it was evident that the prosperity 
of these churches depended largely upon their 
fidelity. It was felt that a clearer and more 
enlarged conception of the office and duties of 
the elder was needed both by the members of 
the churches and the elders themselves. 

It was thought that a hand-book containing 
not only instruction, but also some optional 
forms and practical suggestions would be of 
great service. Several manuals have been pre- 
pared for ministers, to assist them in the dis- 
charge of their ministerial duties, and have 
proved helpful. Why should not our elders 
have something corresponding to aid them in 
the performance of their duties ? 

5 



6 



Introduction. 



Many of them, who are pious and useful 
men, have never enjoyed the advantages of a 
classical education, and have never been trained 
in the art of public speaking. They are some- 
times under the necessity of undertaking certain 
duties belonging to their office for which they 
do not feel themselves thoroughly qualified. 
To such, especially, a practical hand-book may 
be of much service. The design of this manual 
is wholly practical. It was prepared with spe- 
cial reference to the large body of ruling elders 
in our rural districts. The author has enlarged 
the plan which he first projected, hoping that 
he might furnish a book which would be of 
general service to the church. 

For the sake of brevity many important mat- 
ters have been excluded. The argument for 
the scriptural authority for the office of ruling 
elder is about the same as that which may be 
found in any of the standard works on Presby- 
terianism, with the exception that the writer 
has taken much higher ground than the ma- 
jority of his brethren. We are aware of the 
existing prejudice in our church against the 
use of forms. The General Assembly, while 
not opposing their use for special services, has 
declined to adopt and authorize any particular 
set of forms. Written formularies of worship 
are uncongenial to American Presbyterianism. 



Introduction. 



7 



At the same time, the optional use of certain 
forms, prepared by individuals for occasional 
and special services, is in entire accordance 
with the spirit of liberty which the church 
cherishes. The few forms contained in this 
hand-book are intended more particularly for 
the use of those elders who have no gift of 
prayer. They may be suggestive to others and 
helpful to devotional expression. 

Selections of Scripture for the sick-room and 
the house of mourning have been printed, in 
full for the sake of convenience. A form for a 
funeral service, compiled from various sources, 
has been inserted for the use of elders who are 
called upon in the absence of the pastor to 
conduct funerals. An order of service for a 
Sunday-school, for public worship in the pas- 
tor's absence, and for a prayer-meeting have 
been introduced with special reference to our 
young elders who are without experience and 
training. 

The manual includes the form for a call 
for pastoral services, taken from our Book of 
Church Order, with some explanations. Calls 
presented to Presbytery are frequently sent 
back to the churches because they are not pro- 
perly made out. Confusion and delay are thus 
brought about. 

A constitution for a Christian workers' so- 



8 



Introduction. 



ciety is given as suggestive of certain lines 
and methods of work for churches which are 
not organized for active service. A docket for 
sessional use is also inserted. Sessions often 
meet and neglect many important matters 
because they follow no special order of busi- 
ness. The General Assembly's parliamentary 
rules are also added for the convenience of 
elders. 

The writer fully recognizes the difficulties un- 
der which our elders labor, knowing that most 
of them are men of business, necessarily occu- 
pied very closely with their temporal affairs. 
He is aware of the many discouragements they 
meet with, and of the meagre opportunities they 
enjoy in the way of special training for their 
great responsibilities. If this manual proves 
to be of any help to them, the author will be 
more than recompensed for his labor. 



A HAND-BOOK 



FOR 



RULING ELDERS. 



CHAPTEE I. 



A BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE SCRIPTURAL 
AUTHORITY FOR THE OFFICE OF 



HE word " elder " is a translation from the 



Hebrew word saken. It is doubtless of 
Jewish-Christian origin, having a much wider 
meaning at first, and gradually coming into use 
to designate a particular class of church officers 
in the Christian church. The word has pri- 
mary reference to age, with the experience and 
dignity which go with it, and, derivatively, to 
official authority. The idea of government by 
representative elders is very ancient, and con- 
stantly reappears in Bible history both in civil 
and religious affairs. Under the leadership of 
Moses, elders were chosen as representatives of 
the people ; and we read of them in the times 

9 



RULING ELDER. 




and from the 



10 



A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 



of Joshua, Samuel, David, Solomon, and the- 
Jewish Captivity. These officers had great 
weight in matters of highest importance to- 
church and state. They had not only civil but 
religious duties to perform under the Jewish 
commonwealth, in which the church and the 
state were temporarily united. 

The Jewish mind was thoroughly familiar with 
the idea of the representative elder, and it was 
very naturally carried into the synagogue sys- 
tem. The origin of the synagogue cannot be 
determined with accuracy. It had evidently 
been in existence a considerable time when the 
new dispensation began. Each one of them 
had a bench of elders in control of its spiritual 
affairs, one of whom was chosen as presi- 
dent. 

The New Testament church was constructed, 
upon the model of the synagogue. The Hebrew 
word for elder was translated into the Greek 
word presbuteros, which was used tc describe a 
class of church officers, without any particular 
explanation. Christ and his apostles frequently 
visited the synagogues, and made them the base 
ot their operations. The general features of 
this worship were very naturally transferred to 
the Christian church. Some of the earliest 
Christian churches were very probably con- 
verted synagogues, the elders of the latter be- 



Authority for Office of Kuling Elder. 11 

<coming elders in the former. The name "Pres- 
byterian," by which we are designated as a 
branch of the Christian church, indicates that 
we are differentiated from other Christian 
bodies, especially by our views of church gov- 
ernment. Yet Presbyterianism is not simply a 
form of ecclesiology, but represents also a cer- 
tain interpretation of the Bible in the matter 
of doctrine and the sacraments. 

Presbyterianism, so far as government is con- 
cerned, rests upon three fundamental principles 
iound in God's word and in the early church, 
Tiz., the parity of the ministry, government by 
elders or presbyters, and the unity of the 
church. The church is governed by assemblies 
composed of presbyters or elders of two classes. 
It is a representative government dispensed 
through a gradation of courts, the General As- 
sembly being the supreme court, and thus con- 
serves Christian liberty, evangelical order, the 
xights of individuals, at the same time embody- 
ing the idea of unity. It differs from Episco- 
pacy, which lodges ecclesiastical power in its 
bishops, and from Congregationalism or Inde- 
pendency, in which the people themselves are 
the governing body, and saves us from both 
tyranny and mobocracy. 

This form of church government we believe 
to be scriptural, practical, and best adapted to 



12 



A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 



the development and extension of the kingdom 
of God on earth. 

What is the testimony of the New Testament 
writings respecting the office of ruling elder in 
the Christian church ? 

There was evidently a plurality of elders in 
every church, who presided over its spiritual 
affairs. The Apostle Paul writes to Titus : "For 
this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou 
shouldest .... ordain elders in every city," 
etc. (Titus i. 5.) Paul and Barnabas in their 
missionary work went everywhere preaching 
the gospel, founding churches, and "they or- 
dained elders in every church." (Acts xiv. 23.) 
Paul sent from Miletus to Ephesus for "the 
elders of the church." (Acts xx. 17.) James 
exhorts the sick to send for "the elders of the 
church." (James v. 14.) Other passages might 
be quoted proving clearly that it was a rule in 
the primitive church to have a company of 
elders in every church. We are not informed 
as to their precise functions ; but it appears- 
that some of them devoted themselves mainly 
to governing, ruling, directing, while others 
gave themselves mainly to preaching and teach- 
ing. "We are almost forced to this belief from 
the following considerations : Many of the 
churches established by the apostles must have 
been very small and weak at first, and there 



Authority for Office of Ruling Elder. 13 



was no need, therefore, for a company of preach- 
ers for each one. 

Many of the primitive churches were very 
poor at the beginning, and it is difficult to be- 
lieve that each one had the ability to support a 
number of ministers, especially as there was no 
central treasury, and no sustentation fund from 
which to draw. 

Besides, we can scarcely believe that in these 
small missionary churches there could have 
been found at their organization a sufficient 
number of Christians educated and trained to 
form a company of preachers whose business 
it was to devote themselves exclusively to the 
ministry of the word. There was no seminary 
from which to draw in those days. 

The Scriptures teach that there was a dif- 
ference between these elders : " Let the elders 
that rule well be counted worthy of double 
honor, especially they who labor in the word 
and doctrine." (1 Tim. v. 17.) Here it is im- 
plied that some were mainly engaged in ruling, 
while others were chiefly absorbed in preach- 



ing. 



Besides, there are several passages of Scrip- 
ture in which there is reference to an office for 
ruling and governing as its chief function: 
"Having then gifts differing according to the 
grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, 



14 A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 



let us prophesy according to the proportion of 
faith ; or ministry, let us wait on our minister- 
ing; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he 
that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that ruleth 
with diligence," etc. (Rom. xii. 6-8.) Again, 
"And God hath set some in the church, first 
apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, 
after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, 
•governments, diversities of tongues." (1 Cor. 
xii. 28.) 

Still further, there seems to be a necessity 
for ruling elders for the maintenance of order 
and discipline, and for the development and ex- 
tension of the church. No one man can do all 
the work of instruction, exhortation, visitation, 
and discipline in the church of average size. 
Those churches which reject the eldership have 
partial substitutes, calling them by a different 
name. 

It seems clear, therefore, that each of the 
primitive churches had a plurality of elders. 
Some were occupied mostly with the ministry 
of the word, while others gave themselves 
mainly to ruling. In the judgment of the writer 
sufficient evidence has not been adduced from 
the Scriptures to justify the very wide distinc- 
tion which is practically made by our church 
between these two classes of presbyters. We 
believe that the teaching function, in a re- 



Authority for Office of Ruling Elder. 15 



stricted sense, belongs to the ruling elder's 
office, for the following reasons : The elder or 
presbyter is a bishop, and 6 £ aptness to teach" 
is made an indispensable qualification for the 
office of bishop without exception. Therefore 
the elder must be, in a certain sense, a teacher. 
There is no escape from this conclusion if our 
premises are correct. The identity of presbyter 
and bishop is placed beyond question by many 
passages. In Acts xx. 28, Paul addresses as 
bishops the same rulers of the Ephesian Church 
who had just before been called (vs. 17) pres- 
byters. Paul directs Titus to ordain " presby- 
ters" in the churches of Crete, and, in stating 
the qualifications for these officers, speaks of 
them under the name " bishop." " Ordain el- 
ders in every city, if any be blameless," etc., 
"for a bishop must be blameless." 

The apostle in his Epistle to the Philippians. 
salutes the saints in Philippi "with the bishops, 
and deacons," making no mention of presby- 
ters, which fact can only be explained upon the 
assumption that bishops and presbyters were 
identical. This identity was acknowledged by 
the most learned church fathers, by the best; 
theologians of the middle ages, and is admitted 
to-day by some of the best scholars of the 
Episcopal Church. Dr. Whitby, for instance, 
says: "Both the Latin and Greek fathers. do 5 



16 



A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 



with one consent, declare that bishops were 
called presbyters and presbyters bishops in 
apostolic times, the names being then common." 
Our first premise, therefore, is unquestionably 
true. 

The second premise is indisputable: "A 
bishop must be apt to teach." (1 Tim. iii. 2.) 
It was Paul's purpose to instruct Timothy re- 
specting all the congregational officers. As the 
office of ruling elder is higher and more im- 
portant than that of deacon, it is inconceivable 
that the apostle should give directions concern- 
ing the latter and leave the former entirely out. 
The words "bishops and deacons" are exhaus- 
tive of all the officers of a church. 

If it is indispensable that the elder should 
be "apt to teach," and "hold forth the faithful 
word that he may be able by sound doctrine 
both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers," 
how are we to reconcile this statement of quali- 
fications with the fact that some of the company 
of elders in each church devoted themselves to 
ruling, and others to preaching? When the 
apostle asserts that elders or bishops must be 
"apt to teach," it by no means follows that all 
elders gave themselves wholly to the work of 
preaching and teaching officially; but it does 
follow irresistibly that the teaching function to 
some extent belongs to the office of elder. 



Authority for Office of Ruling Elder. 17 



The words " apt to teach," spoken of by the 
apostle, must be regarded in a general sense. 
There are various degrees of knowledge, and 
various ways of giving instruction. All elders 
should be able to train the young, to guide in- 
quirers, to comfort the troubled, and defend 
the essential truths of Christianity against ob- 
jectors. A man may not have the gift of public 
speech, may not be qualified to undertake the 
work of a public teacher, and yet be "apt to 
teach," and able to defend God's truth. He 
may do a great deal of good in the line of 
teaching in many ways. 

In the judgment of the writer, the leaders of 
the Reformation, in attempting to restore the 
functions of the eldership, made them narrower 
than they were in apostolic times, and lowered 
the office. We seem to be satisfied with what 
appears to be a great inconsistency. We in- 
sist that presbyter and bishop are identical, 
and we establish our point triumphantly against 
the prelatist, and yet we quietly strip the pres- 
byter of nearly all the functions ot the bishop. 

Notwithstanding some difference of opinion 
as to the nature of the office of elder, the lay 
theory has been practically adopted. This 
theory maintains that the ruling elder is only a 
representative of the people, chosen by them 
for the purpose of exercising government and 
2 



18 A Hand-book for Ruling Elders. 



discipline in conjunction with the pastor or 
minister. While government is the essential 
idea of his office, we do not believe that teach- 
ing is excluded. Paul instructed the elders of 
Ephesus to "feed (shepherd) the church of 
God" over which they were placed as overseers, 
because "grievous wolves would enter in, not 
sparing the flock," plainly meaning that he in- 
tended them to guard the purity of Christian 
doctrine. In Hebrews xiii. 7, the apostle as- 
sociates ruling and teaching very closely : " Re- 
member those who have the rule over you, who 
have spoken unto you the word of God ; whose 
faith follow, considering the end of their con- 
versation." It is not going too far to say that 
the large majority of our elders and of our 
church members have entirely too low a con- 
ception of the nature of this office, of its dignity 
and its responsibilities. According to God's 
word the elder is a ruler in God's house, and a 
teacher, in a restricted sense, charged with the 
spiritual welfare of his flock. 

The second Book of Discipline of the Church 
of Scotland advocated the higher or presbyter 
theory of the eldership, but it was not carried 
strictly into practice. It gave a wider scope to 
the office, and permitted elders to preach in 
their own churches when they were qualified. 
Differences of opinion, however, on this point 



Authority for Office of Ruling Elder. 19 

are compatible with strong views in favor of the 
Presbyterian government of the church. It 
seems that we must take high grounds on the 
subject, and clothe the elder with more au- 
thority, dignity, and responsibility than we 
practically do, or else take lower ground hold- 
ing that our system is based upon a wise and 
judicious ecclesiastical policy, but not upon a 
distinct and special divine warrant. 

We are aware that there are some difficulties 
connected with the higher theory, but they are 
fewer than those connected with the lower. 
We maintain that according to Scripture they 
are a part of the Christian ministry, and derive 
their authority from Jesus Christ the head of 
the church. If we desire to promote their 
efficiency, it is necessary for us to commence 
at this point, and impress the truth that they 
are office-bearers of Christ's church along with 
the pastor ; and the people should be taught to 
look up to them as their spiritual rulers, ad- 
visers, and instructors. Their official character 
should be recognized as lying at the foundation 
of what is required of them. The tendency to 
give the elder a lower position than that given 
in the word of God is a great weakness in our 
Presbyterian system. The power of the Pres- 
byterian Church for good would be increased 
in unlimited measure if the eldership could be 



20 A Hand-book for Ruling Elders. 

brought up to the scriptural standard, because 
our system derives its strength largely from the 
efficiency of the eldership. It should be clearly 
understood, that while elders are chosen rep- 
resentatives of the people, Christ the head of 
the church is the source of all the authority 
and power committed to them. They are se- 
lected as qualified, and called of God, to per- 
form the duties which Christ has enjoined. 

There is a sense in which all elders or pres- 
byters and bishops are equal. In the matter 
of ruling and governing, which is the central 
and basal idea of the presbyterate, they stand 
on equal footing. In the courts of the church 
they have the same rights and privileges. They 
differ in this, that the minister is specially 
called and set apart to the work of officially 
preaching the gospel, while the elder is called 
and set apart to the work of governing or rul- 
ing, at the same time, however, exercising the 
right to teach in a restricted sense. 



CHAPTER II. 



THE DUTIES OF ELDERS. 

OUR Book of Church Order sums up the 
duties as follows: " Ruling elders, the 
immediate representatives of the people, 
are chosen by them, that, in conjunction with 
the pastor, or minister, they may exercise gov- 
ernment and discipline, and take the oversight 
of the spiritual interests of the particular 
church, and also of the church generally 5 when 
called thereto. It appertains to this office, 
both severally and jointly, to watch diligently 
over the flock committed to their charge, that 
no corruption of doctrine or of morals enter 
therein. Evils which they cannot correct by 
private admonition they should bring to the 
notice of the session. They should visit the 
people at their homes, especially the sick ; they 
should instruct the ignorant, comfort the 
mourner, nourish and guard the children of the 
church ; and all those duties which private 
Christians are bound to discharge by the law 
of charity are especially incumbent upon them 
by divine vocation, and are to be discharged as 
official duties. They should pray with and for 

21 



22 A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 

the people ; they should be careful and diligent 
in seeking the fruit of the preached word among 
the flock; and should inform the pastor of 
cases of sickness, of affliction and awakening, 
and of all others which may need his special 
attention." In examining the duties of the 
elder a little more in detail, let us first con- 
sider the elder in the family : 

I. The Elder in the Family. 

Most of our elders are heads of families. 
The apostle tells us that their work begins at 
home, and he insists upon the proper govern- 
ment of their own households as requisite to 
efficient rule in the church. An elder must be 
" one that ruleth well his own house, having his 
children in subjection with all gravity ; for if a 
man know not how to rule his own house, how 
shall he take care of the church of God?" It 
is true that the proper government of the house- 
hold is the duty of every Christian man who is 
the head of a family. But it devolves upon the 
elder, in a special manner, to set an example in 
this respect, inasmuch as his official standing 
and his usefulness are affected by it. We read 
in the New Testament of " the church in the 
house." A Christian family ought to be a little 
church. The churchly character of the family 
is prominent throughout the old and new dis~ 



The Duties of Elders. 



23 



pensations. The passover was observed in the 
household, and the children of each family 
were instructed in its significance. The Israel- 
ites went up, as families, three times a year to 
worship at Jerusalem. Under the New Testa- 
ment dispensation, when the church assumes 
its final form, the same idea is equally promi- 
nent, and the family is the home of the church. 
From the earliest period in the church's his- 
tory the duty of family religious instruction and 
discipline has been emphasized. The theory 
and practice of family government have under- 
gone considerable change during the last quar- 
ter of a century, and there is a growing laxity 
upon the part of parents in the matter of train- 
ing and discipline. 

Lack of the proper exercise of parental au- 
thority is one of the weak points in the present 
type of family life. It cannot be said of many, 
as it was said of the father of the faithful, " I 
know him, that he will command his children 
and his household after him." Commanding i& 
not popular, and the drift of the times is against 
it. Early self-assertion, irreverence, contu- 
macy, and precocious individualism are char- 
acteristics of the young of our day. Under 
these circumstances, it is especially incumbent 
upon the elder to set a right example as the 
head of a family, and to rule well his own 



24 A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 

house. If his home is a scene of disorder ; if 
his children are neglected or mismanaged; if 
he fails to command proper respect, he can 
hardly expect the members of his church to 
look to him as their spiritual adviser and guide. 
It is true that children sometimes turn out 
badly under the best parental control, but, as a 
rule, the words of the wise man are verified: 
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and 
when he is old he will not depart from it." 
Neglect of family worship is another indication 
of the decline of family religion. The elder 
cannot carry out the injunction to "rule well 
his own house " without establishing the family 
altar. With unfailing regularity he should ob- 
serve family worship. No pressure of business 
or of social engagements should induce him to 
neglect this important duty. He should re- 
quire his children to attend family devotions as 
well as the religious exercises of God's house. 
It is his duty so to conduct himself before the 
members of his household as to impress them 
with the idea that the kingdom of God has the 
first place in his heart, and that it is his su- 
preme desire to see them true Christians. If 
his object in life is to accumulate a fortune, or 
to gain distinction, or social advancement, his 
children will not only see it, but will catch the 
spirit of his life. 



The Duties of Eldebs. 



25 



He may be a kind, gentle, loving, liberal 
father, seeking to make his home bright and 
attractive, encouraging all innocent amusements 
and recreations, winning the devotion of his 
children, and at the same time a godly father, 
making the atmosphere of the home distinctly 
Christian. The elder, impressed with a sense 
of the responsibilities of home, should adopt 
David's resolution : " I will behave myself 
wisely, . . . and I will walk within my house 
with a perfect heart." 

A faithful and successful discharge of the 
duties growing out of domestic relations will 
enable him to be more efficient in his public 
duties, and the transition from one to the other 
will be made easy. The elder, in dispensing 
hospitality, and in endeavoring to make his 
home attractive to young people, should be 
careful not to encourage a spirit of worldliness. 
It is very difficult to draw an exact line between 
what is right and wrong in the way of amuse- 
ments. If an elder should be very liberal in 
his views on the subject, and insist upon exer- 
cising what he regards as his rights, he is surely 
bound to see to it that excesses are avoided and 
that a spirit of worldliness is not encouraged. 
There is no incompatibility between true piety 
and a moderate indulgence in all innocent 
amusements. But somehow there are certain. 



26 



A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 



amusements, regarded by many good people as 
innocent and proper, which do not seem to 
combine with earnestness of Christian life and 
with consecration to Christ. The elder who 
does not object to these things, and makes his 
home a sort of headquarters for such amuse- 
ments, should consider very carefully whether 
he is not endangering his influence for good as 
a ruler in the house of God. If his home 
should be made headquarters also for religious 
meetings, where earnest work is done for the 
glory of God, the case would probably be very 
different. To make amusement an end is one 
thing, to make it a means is quite another 
thing. It loses most of its danger when it is 
subordinated to higher ends. Every elder, 
therefore, should endeavor to make his home a 
model Christian home, to make it an attractive 
place, an instructive place, a safe place, and a 
holy place. Everything ought to be renounced 
which tends to destroy personal religion, or to 
weaken the influence of religion in the minds of 
others, or to put a stumbling-block in the way 
of many, or to give offence to the feelings of 
conscientious fellow-Christians. 

These principles must be admitted to be cor- 
rect, and can generally be applied without se- 
rious difficulty by those who are thoroughly 
spiritually-minded. Indeed, it may be said 



The Duties of Elders. 27 



wdth truth that nearly all questions, relating to 
wordly amusements, will be easily answered 
just in proportion to the depth and earnestness 
of one's religion. 

II. The Eldeb in Business and in Society. 

Occupying the high position of a spiritual 
ruler in the house of God, the elder should be 
fully alive to the fact that his influence for good 
and his usefulness in the church depend largely 
upon the character he maintains in business 
and in society. It is true that every Christian 
is bound to be upright, truthful and fair in his 
worldly transactions, yet, in a special sense, it 
devolves upon the officers of God's church to 
walk circumspectly and to maintain a reputa- 
tion for honesty and integrity. It is a matter 
of great importance that they should so deport 
themselves in secular affairs as to win the con- 
fidence, respect and esteem of their fellow-men. 
Though they may be faithful in attendance 
upon the services of the church, and active in 
the discharge of their official duties ; though 
they may pray with fluency and speak with 
force in religious meetings, their usefulness is 
seriously crippled if they are regarded by the 
community as men lacking purity and integrity 
of character. If they are skinflints and sharp- 
ers, men who will take advantage of others in 



28 



A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 



trade by misrepresentation and trickery ; if they 
are covetous and avaricious, they cannot expect 
to accomplish much in their religious official 
capacity. The world is sometimes deceived 
about men, but the deception is only temporary. 
Every man is the product of his thoughts, feel- 
ings, purposes, habits, and experiences, and 
cannot conceal his true inwardness for any- 
great length of time. Men are often misrepre- 
sented and slandered, but, as a rule, the repu- 
tation of a man who has lived long in a com- 
munity is generally in accordance with his real 
worth and his real life. Church officers cannot 
be too careful in guarding their reputation and 
avoiding all appearance of evil. It is better to 
endure a wrong than to have the semblance of 
cupidity or fraud. 

Every man must find his Christian life largely 
in connection with those secular duties which 
occupy nearly all of his time. The divorce of 
religion and business is pharisaic and not Chris- 
tian. Religion enters into business, sanctifies 
it, elevates it, and lightens its burdens. The 
merchant's religion must be found largely in 
the bounds of commercial life ; the politician's 
religion in the bounds of politics ; the teacher's 
religion in the school-room. The same Ten 
Commandments and the same Sermon on the 
Mount which are applicable to church life and 



The Duties of Elders. 29 



household life are also applicable to commerce 
and politics. There is but one basis of ethics 
for all the departments of human activity. 

It is also important that elders should be 
men of high character in their social relations. 
Beyond the narrow circle of home, and even 
the wider circle of business, there is a large 
number of persons brought into connection 
with us in various ways, and our intercourse 
with them brings weighty responsibilities. The 
officers of God's church are in a peculiar sense 
bound to endeavor to purify and elevate the 
tone of society around them. They should 
studiously avoid that deportment which would 
give them the name of "worldly men." While 
they should encourage hospitality by their ex- 
ample, they should avoid display, extrava- 
gance, and cumbrous luxury. 

III. The Elder in the Church. 
In general terms it may be said that it is the 
duty of the elder to look after the spiritual in- 
terests of all his flock, and to do everything in 
his power for the furtherance of the same. 
Paul said to the Ephesian elders: "Take heed 
therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock 
over which the Holy Ghost hath made you 
overseers, to feed the church of God which he 
hath purchased with his own blood. " The 



30 A Hand-Book for Eultng Elders. 

command "to feed the flock" is a very large 
one. The word "shepherd," which is the lit- 
eral translation, carries the idea of guidance, 
protection, provision, tender care, and personal 
interest. The perfunctory service rendered by 
some elders, namely, attendance in a mechani- 
cal way on meetings of session, and occasionally 
of other church courts, and assistance in the 
distribution of the elements at the celebration 
of the Lord's Supper, seems to be regarded by 
them as an adequate discharge of their official 
duties. But how small a part of an elder's re- 
sponsibility is discharged even by a faithful at- 
tendance upon the meetings of session and the 
higher courts, and by regular service at the ad- 
ministration of the communion! Let us en- 
deavor to draw out in detail some of the duties 
plainly involved in the exhortations given to 
elders : 

(a), It is the duty of the elder to visit the 
members of his church. It is impossible for 
him to take proper oversight over them, look 
after their spiritual interests, and give them 
due attention, without coming in personal con- 
tact with them in their homes. To facilitate 
this work, the church, if sufficiently large, 
should be divided into sections or districts, 
and the care of each section should be assigned 
to one or more elders for a fixed period. In 



The Duties of Elders. 31 



this way the elders will come to know all the 
members, and everything peculiar in the situa- 
tion and character of each one. They may 
find it a little difficult at first on account of the 
demands of business, but if thorough system is 
observed, very little time is required. If each 
elder would give two or three hours a week, or 
even a fortnight, or one afternoon a month, a 
great deal might be accomplished in the way 
of visitation. In a church of average size 
every family could be visited by an elder at 
least once a year, if there was a willingness on 
the part of each one to give one afternoon in 
each month. In order to reach the best re- 
sults, there should be real official visitation, 
and not a mere hurried call and exchange of 
courtesies. It is scarcely possible to overesti- 
mate the benefits of such visits. Families are 
thus brought into close contact with the church, 
and made to feel that they are a living part of 
it. The members learn to regard the elders as 
their friends, and turn to them as well as to 
their minister for advice in trouble, and for 
comfort and sympathy in affliction. In many 
churches there are elders who have so little 
acquaintance with the members of their charge, 
that they do not even know all their names. 

(#), It is especially incumbent upon elders 
to visit the sick, the afflicted, and the poor. " Is 



32 A Hand-Book for Kuling Elders. 

any sick among you, let them call for the elderL 
of the church, and let them pray," etc. The 
elder, besides giving spiritual comfort, may 
sometimes find it in his power to render aid in 
temporal respects, or induce others to do so 
who have the ability. Our Saviour is here on 
earth represented in an especial manner by his 
sick, suffering, and needy children; and ser- 
vice rendered to them is service rendered to 
him: "I was sick, and ye visited me." Does 
not our Lord undergo a perpetual incarnation 
in his church ? The voice of the sick and the 
destitute is to the Christian the voice of Jesus. 
Their miseries are the miseries of Christ. 
Surely the 'officers of Christ's church ought to 
be in tenderest sympathy with his suffering 
body. 

"Oh, dreamers, dreaming that your faith is keeping 

All service free from blot, 
Christ daily walks your streets, sick, suffering, weeping, 

And ye perceive him not." 

The afflicted as well as the sick have special 
claims upon their spiritual rulers. Many of 
-the most precious promises of the Bible relate 
to afflictions. Our Saviour when on earth set 
us an example of tender sympathy for the sor- 
rowing. "Pure religion and undefiled before 
God and the Father is this, to visit the father- 
less and the widows in their affliction," etc. 



The Duties of Elders. 33 



There are many who are willing to give liber- 
ally of their substance to a relief fund, but are 
not willing, like their Lord, to become ''ac- 
quainted with grief." Benevolence enlarges 
and develops Christian character, but deep 
and tender personal sympathy with the suffer- 
ing and the sorrowing is necessary to give 
completeness to character. The officers of the 
church must not only give money and advice, 
but they must visit. There is many a house of 
sorrow in which sympathy is worth more than 
gold. Many elders shrink from the duty of 
comforting the bereaved, and excuse themselves 
upon the ground of incompetency. Even if 
they cannot give spiritual instruction, they can 
at least show a heart-felt sympathy, which 
sometimes accomplishes more good. They 
may read a few appropriate verses from Scrip- 
ture, and offer a brief prayer. The obligation 
to visit and comfort the bereaved rests entirely 
too lightly upon most elders. This is regarded 
as a duty which the minister only can perform. 
But it is a great mistake. Times of sorrow, 
when God softens the hearts of his children by 
fatherly chastenings, furnish a grand oppor- 
tunity for elders to endear themselves to their 
people, and to strengthen Christian bonds. 
Any genuine expression of sympathy, any kind- 
ness shown, any help rendered, when the heart 
3 



34 



A Hand-Book for Kuling Elders. 



is raw under crushing grief, will leave its im- 
press forever. No definite rules can be laid 
down for the guidance of those who visit the 
sick, the needy and the bereaved. The tact 
and delicacy and adaptation necessary to the 
most successful discharge of this duty are rather 
the fruit of deep piety and sincere sympathy 
than of social rules. Genuine, ardent love is 
intuitive in perception, independent in action, 
and original in method. Love has deep insight, 
and sees more quickly than reason, and often 
determines at a glance what is the best and 
most appropriate thing to be done. It is rich 
in invention, and is not bound in its service by 
the demands of conscience. 

(c), It is very clearly the duty of elders to 
give careful and earnest attention to the hack- 
sliding members of their flock. The very name 
ruling elder implies the specialty of this obliga- 
tion. And yet there are many who do not 
seem to feel that they have any responsibility 
in this direction. It is not often that Chris- 
tians fall suddenly into great and heinous sins. 
As a rule, their spiritual decline is gradual, and 
begins with the neglect of the means of grace. 
It is important, therefore, that they should be 
admonished promptly when the first signs of 
backsliding appear. 

When any member neglects the public ordi- 



The Duties of Elders. 



35 



nances of religion without cause, it is a sure 
sign of degeneracy, and should not be allowed 
to pass unnoticed. The officers of the church 
should kindly remonstrate with such a one and 
remind him of his Christian obligations. The 
pastor, of course, shares this responsibility. 
When members are guilty of grave offences, 
such as intemperance or profanity or immoral- 
ity, there should be no delay on the part of 
church officers to earnestly endeavor to bring 
them to repentance and reformation. If an 
offence is of a private character, efforts should 
be made to induce the transgressor to make 
acknowledgment and reparation to the injured 
party. If, however, it is of a public character, 
the offender should be kindly urged to repent- 
ance and public acknowledgment. The honor 
and purity of Christ's church must be pro- 
tected, and the scriptural standard of morality 
must be sustained. The elder is invested with 
a several power — power to admonish, rebuke, 
exhort, and comfort through his individual in- 
fluence, as well as with a joint power, which is 
exercised in courts in voting, admitting, exclud- 
ing, warning, censuring. The duty of restoring 
the erring is plainly taught in God's word : 
" Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye 
who are spiritual restore such an one in the 
spirit of meekness." (Gal. vi. 1.) While the 



36 



A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 



restoration of a fallen brother is the work of 
divine grace, yet God uses his children as in- 
struments to accomplish it. Through human 
forgiveness, sympathy, and intercession, wan- 
derers from God are enabled to realize the di- 
vine compassion and goodness. We have 
reason to fear that there is criminal negligence 
in administering, rebuking, and disciplining the 
backsliding and excluding the unworthy. The 
blessing of God cannot rest upon a church 
which allows open sin among its members to go 
on unrebuked and unnoticed. The accursed 
thing must be removed from the camp. It is a 
stone in the King's highway, which must be 
removed before he will come to subdue the im- 
penitent and manifest his victorious grace. 
The church which is burdened with a number 
of doubtful professors, of worldly members, and 
backsliding Christians is in a very sad condi- 
tion. The most devoted and earnest preacher 
in charge of such a flock is robbed of one of 
the greatest sources of power, for a godly mem- 
bership is the minister's right hand of strength, 
inasmuch as they are the vindication of the 
truths he proclaims, and a mighty power with 
God and man. 

The work to which we have been referring 
is one of great difficulty and delicacy. It re- 
quires wisdom and tact, and a combination of 



The Duties of Elders. 



37 



gentleness and firmness. For its right accom- 
plishment, the best preparation is prayer and 
holy living and a sincere love for the souls of 
men. 

(d), Ruling elders should take careful over- 
sight of the children of their flock. Many of us 
who are rulers fail to realize the peculiarity of 
our relation to the children under our care. 
The offspring of believing parents are admitted 
into the church by baptism, and this gives them 
special claims upon us. They are within the 
pale of the church, and are committed to our 
supervision and care. They are under its gov- 
ernment and subject to its discipline. We are 
therefore bound to take a deep and affectionate 
interest in them, and watch for their souls as 
they who must give account. We are solemnly 
pledged to use all diligence to provide proper 
instruction and training for them, and to en- 
deavor to save them from the snares and perils 
of the world. Through the formative period 
of childhood and youth our eye should be upon 
them, and we should never cease to pray and 
labor for them until they are brought to Christ. 
Baptized members who grow up to manhood 
and persist in rejecting Christ and living in sin, 
should be followed with tender interest, and 
kindly admonished and reminded of their rela- 
tions to the church. They should be dealt with 



38 A Hand-Book for Euling Elders. 

faithfully, and disciplined, if necessary. The 
church has lost many of her children by for- 
saking them too soon and failing to do her 
duty towards them. She should never forget 
that she is a foster-mother to her children, that 
she has fixed upon them the seal of the cove- 
nant, and can never secure exemption from the 
duty of Christian nurture. While the parent has 
his distinctive obligations, the church, as an 
organization, has likewise most solemn duties 
to perform. Presbyterian practice does not 
agree with Presbyterian theory. A list of all 
the baptized children should be kept by the 
session, and should be revised from time to 
time. God's covenant is with his people and 
their seed. Their children are heirs of the 
promise, and should be reminded, as soon as 
they have a sufficient degree of intelligence, of 
their privileges and obligations. Elders should 
be careful not to interfere with parental rights, 
and should seek to influence the child through 
the parent. The children of God's people are 
the hope of the church. Its rulers should keep 
this in mind in its organization and in all their 
plans to advance its interests. They should be 
zealous workers in the Sunday-school, which is 
the nursery of the church, where Christ's chil- 
dren are trained. Elders should not only take 
an active part in this most important work, but 



The Duties of Elders. 39 



should see to it that all the children under their 
supervision are properly instructed in the word 
of God. In addition to the study of the regu- 
lar lessons, they should be required to memo- 
rize a few verses of Scripture. Dr. James W. 
Alexander, one of the most suggestive writers 
on Sunday-school teaching, gives the following 
emphatic testimony on this point : " Having 
been, in one or another capacity, busied about 
Sunday-schools for forty years, I venture my 
judgment that if a pupil must forego one or the 
other — the explanation of the meaning by 
question and answer, or the possession of the 
text in his memory verbatim — he had better let 
go the former. There is no part of household 
and juvenile learning so valuable as what in 
good old idiomatic mother-English is called 
'getting verses by heart.' Having almost 
worn out my eyes by reading and study, let me 
testify that of all I ever learned I most prize is 
the knowledge of the English Bible, and for 
one verse I know by heart I wish I knew a 
hundred." 

There should be definite teaching also, as to 
the structure and government of our church. 
Without being controversial or comparative, it 
should be distinct and positive. A few ques- 
tions from the Shorter Catechism should be 
memorized by the scholars regularly. Many 



40 A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 

of our children grow up utterly ignorant of the 
meaning of Presbyterianisin, having never been 
taught its distinctive principles and scriptural 
grounds ; and this accounts for the easy man- 
ner in which they sometimes drift into other 
churches. 

Our elders should be fully alive to the fact 
that the Sunday-school occupies a place of 
almost incalculable importance in the develop- 
ment and extension of the church. It furnishes 
a large percentage of the additions received on 
profession of faith, as statistics clearly show. 
As a rule, too, those who are received into 
the church while young make the most valuable 
members. Spurgeon, speaking on this point, 
says, "I have, during the last year, received 
forty children into church membership. Among 
those I have had at any time to exclude from 
the church, out of a church of twenty-seven 
hundred members, I have never had to exclude 
a single one who was received while yet a child." 
A similar testimony is given by many success- 
ful pastors. It becomes our officers, therefore, 
to fully inform themselves of all the improved 
modern methods for Sunday-school work. 
Means should be provided, if possible, for the 
proper training of teachers. Teachers' meet- 
ings should be held weekly for the study of the 
current lessons. Normal classes, normal insti- 



The Duties of Elders. 



41 



tutes and conventions should be encouraged. 
The Sunday-school has proved to be a great 
evangelizing agency, and persistent efforts 
should be made to bring into them the multi- 
tudes of young people outside the church who 
are without religious instruction and care. 
Often the best service you can render a godless 
home is to induce one or more of the children 
to attend Sunday-school. Many families have 
been brought into the church in this way. It 
is very important that intelligent and spiritual 
teachers be selected, who will take personal 
interest in their pupils, and endeavor to lead 
them to Christ. It is a serious error to sup- 
pose that any one can teach. There is too 
much mere formal instruction in our schools. 
Definite spiritual results can only be obtained 
by loving contact and earnest endeavor to reach 
the heart and conscience. 

The teacher should regard himself as the 
pastor of his class, and should realize his su- 
perior advantages for reaching the hearts of 
his pupils and moulding their characters. 

Another point of importance is the exaltation 
of God's word. The Sunday-school should be 
the Bible school of the church. In these days of 
black-boards, orchestras, story-books, and appli- 
ances of all kinds, the Bible itself may fail to 
be properly emphasized. Children should be 



42 



A Hand-Book for Eulixg Elders. 



taught to handle their Bibles, to find the verses 
promptly, to compare Scripture with Scripture,, 
and to have the utmost reverence for the word 
of God. 

We warn our elders against an evil which 
has been gradually creeping into the church. 
Unwise and unwarranted means are sometimes 
used to catch the young. We should never 
forget the nature of children, and should en- 
deavor to adapt ourselves to them, securing for 
the Sundav-school an air of brightness and 
cheerfulness. But some of the modern sugar- 
plum methods of drawing children should be 
used cautiously. Christ's way of attracting 
children will be found in "the long run" to be 
the best way. 

(e), The maintenance of public worship is 
another responsibility resting upon elders. It is 
plainly their duty as rulers and spiritual over- 
seers to see that the church to which thejr 
belong is kept open every Sunday, and that 
religious exercises are conducted. Prompt 
measures should be taken to secure a pastor in 
case of a vacancy. The long interims which, 
often occur are very damaging to the spiritual 
interests of the congregation. In spite of com- 
mendable diligence, however, a long period 
often elapses before a pastor can be obtained. 
During this season, if no ministerial help can 



The Duties of Elders. 43 



"be secured, the elders should regularly conduct 
Teligious exercises of some kind. The more 
gifted ones may expound the Scriptures, or 
lecture, or give an exhortation ; or some one of 
them may read a sermon or a homily. In the 
event no one is willing to do this, Sunday- 
school and Bible-class at least should be main- 
tained without fail. Collection for benevolent 
objects should be taken up regularly, and the 
people should be taught that giving is a part 
of divine worship. 

In our rural districts very few churches have 
the privilege of enjoying pastoral ministrations 
of the word every Sunday. Many of them have 
preaching service only once a month. Experi- 
ence has shown how difficult it is for a church 
to prosper under such circumstances. Here is 
a wide field for the exercise of the elder's gifts. 
The only hope of many of our country churches 
lies in a consecrated, active eldership. The 
over-burdened pastor, who is compelled to 
travel frequently hundreds of miles a month, 
^nd can only come in contact with his people 
occasionally, needs a faithful band of officers in 
each one of his churches who will supplement 
Iris labors. There are many such elders, thank 
Crod, who are a power in the church. We want 
more of them. Our system of eldership affords 
peculiar facilities for Christian work, and if it 



44 



A Hand-Book for Buling Elders. 



could be carried out, the power of the church, 
for good would be increased almost beyond 
measure. She would be a victorious church,, 
and more "terrible than an army with ban- 
ners." We need no new organization, no new 
machinery, but the baptism of the Holy Ghost 
and a new infusion of spiritual life. Organiza- 
tion cannot create life, but life, when nourished, 
produces organization. The organization w T hick 
is the product of life is efficient and permanent. 
The writer knows of feeble churches in rural 
districts with only monthly preaching service, 
in which an elder is present every Sunday, who 
conducts religious exercises and maintains a 
Sunday-school. A congregation of fair size 
convenes regularly, and great good is accom- 
plished. In some churches prayer-meetings 
are conducted wholly by elders, and in a very 
edifying manner. Dr. Cuyler, a very successful 
pastor for a long period of time in a metro- 
politan church, says: "The prayer-meeting is. 
pre-eminently the people's service ; and during 
nearly the whole of my ministry it has been 
my custom to intrust the charge of the service 
to the elders, who are the representatives of the 
congregation. Each elder takes the leadership 
of the weekly meeting in alphabetical order. 
He selects the topic to be discussed, and must 
see to it that the topic is duly announced from 



The Duties of Elders. 



45 



the pulpit on the previous Sabbath. For the 
right management of the meeting he is respon- 
sible, and he should make thorough prepara- 
tion for the solemn charge committed to him." 

For the last quarter of a century nearly all 
Protestant churches have been considering 
earnestly the question of the larger employ- 
ment of lay agency, partly because of the 
scarcity of ministers, and partly because of the 
conviction of its special adaptability to certain 
kinds of work. Even if elders be regarded only 
as laymen, they may be of incalculable service 
in meeting these demands of the times. The 
conviction has fastened itseif upon us that there 
are vast reserves in our Presbyterian Church 
which have never been brought out. There is 
a latent power in our eldership which we be- 
lieve will yet be developed. There is a large 
amount of talent and piety among them, and 
they only need encouragement, a broader con- 
ception of their office, and proper support from 
the people. 

(f), Euling'elders should take part in direct- 
ing and developing all the spiritual forces of the 
church. They should be actively interested in 
forming and maintaining missionary societies, 
Christian workers' organizations, and young 
people's associations. There has been much 
discussion of late years concerning voluntary 



46 



A Hand-Book for Eulixg Elders. 



societies, without and within the church. Many- 
societies, assuming large proportions, have 
sprung up outside, having in view the best 
Christian ends. These organizations of such 
phenominal growth have arisen partly because 
of the failure of the church to meet the de- 
mands made upon her. And this failure is 
partly due to the fact that she has bound herself 
so closely with rules, definitions, and restric- 
tions, that Christian energy has been some- 
what checked. Surely room ought to be found 
in the church for the development and use of 
all spiritual forces. If she had made herself 
more elastic, probably there would not have 
been so many outside organizations. Societies 
within the church are a necessity. To bring 
out all her resources, the work must be divided 
and distributed. Ample scope should be given 
for the exercise of individual gifts, and every 
desire and purpose to do good should be en- 
couraged. Our church has within her the 
power to adapt herself to all the demands of 
the hour, without modifying her principles. 
The laws which Christ laid down for the gov- 
ernment of his church will work under all cir- 
cumstances and all conditions of society. It 
must be clear to the unprejudiced student of 
the New Testament that the apostolic policy is 
one rather of broad outlines and principles 



The Duties of Elders. 47 



than of fixed, determinate forms. It is hardly 
possible to carry out rigidly the theory advo- 
cated by Dr. Thornwell, that "the form of 
government for the church and its modes of 
action are described in the word of God, not 
merely as to its general principles, but in all 
its details as completely as the system of faith 
or moral law; and, therefore, everything for 
which we cannot produce a £ thus saith the 
Lord' is unscriptural and unlawful." The at- 
tempt to apply it will impair the usefulness of 
the church, and hamper her in her efforts to 
utilize all her forces. It will lead to endless 
tinkering at church machinery, and everlasting 
digging down to the foundations to see whether 
they are stable. No good religious enterprise 
can be projected without prolonged discussions 
as to its constitutionality and propriety. So- 
cieties in the church are entirely legitimate up 
to a certain point. So long as they are under 
the supervision ot session and presbytery, and 
work harmoniously and effectively, no voice 
should be raised against them. Our elders- 
should organize their young people into asso- 
ciations wherever circumstances permit, as a 
training school in the service of Christ. Dr. 
Cuyler says: " One of the most effective me- 
thods I know of for training new converts is 
by the agency of a young people's association, 



48 A Hand-Book for Eulixg Elders. 



organized in the church and under the over- 
sight of the pastor. There has been such an 
association in the church which I had the honor 
to serve for about twenty-five years. The ob- 
jects of the association are to hold weekly 
devotional meetings, to promote social inter- 
course, to visit the sick, to search out and bring 
in young people, to labor for their conversion, 
and to do whatever will develop the spiritual 
life of young Christians. It has been a train- 
ing school for converts, and, as such, deserves 
a place beside the Sunday-school in the affec- 
tions and prayers of the church. I should 
almost as soon think of conducting a church 
without the regular officers as without this edu- 
cational institution. It helps to solve several 
such questions as how to develop lay element, 
how to cultivate social intercourse, how to save 
the young for Christ, and keep them out of the 
clutch of the devil." 

The writer knows of Christian workers' asso- 
ciations in several churches, conducted success- 
fully by elders, and intended to develop the ac- 
tivity of Christians generally, regardless of age, 
&nd to advance the interests of Christ's kingdom. 

At this point we suggest that the eldership 
may render most valuable service in times of 
revival. Inquiry meetings are now in general 
use by ministers who conduct protracted ser- 



The Duties of Elders. 49 

vices, with the special view of reaching the un- 
converted. They may be made very useful 
when properly managed, and one of the most 
objectionable features would be removed if 
godly, intelligent elders would come to the 
minister's assistance in the work of personal 
interview with seekers after God. Inquirers 
would not be left in the hands of inexperienced, 
impulsive professors, who have only a limited 
stock of familiar religious phrases, and are 
often very injudicious in urging an immediate 
confession of Christ. It falls within the prov- 
ince of the rulers of God's house to direct and 
instruct seeking souls. Our elders should en- 
deavor to equip themselves as thoroughly as 
possible for this work. They should be famil- 
iar with those passages of Scripture which bear 
directly upon inquirers. They should study 
our Lord's conversation with Nicodemus (John 
iii.) and with the woman of Samaria (John iv.), 
and the accounts of the conversion of Zaccheus 
(Luke xviii.), of Lydia, and the jailer (Acts xvi.). 
Earnest endeavor should be made to discover 
the hindrances in the way of each inquirer, and 
the necessity of a complete surrender of heart 
and will to Christ should be insisted upon. 
The reception of Christ should always be made 
the turning point of salvation, and the inquirer 
should be kept closely to this issue. 
4 



50 A Hand-Book for Ruling Eldurs. 

Faith should be explained as involving a re- 
nunciation of self-righteousness and self-de- 
pendence, and a committal of the soul to Christ 
by a distinct transaction with him. 

In the course of regular pulpit ministrations 
elders, along with the minister, should watch 
for any special manifestation of the presence of 
the Holy Spirit, and follow up religious im- 
pressions by holding special services and deal- 
ing individually with inquirers. No great 
amount of learning is necessary to make effi- 
cient workers. Consecration to Christ, the 
unction of the Holy Ghost, and a burning de- 
sire to save the lost, are essential to success. 

Most excellent service is frequently rendered 
by our elders outside their immediate charge. 
The aggressive work of the church is materially 
advanced by them in founding mission schools 
and conducting prayer-meetings in destitute 
districts. Here we may be permitted to throw 
out the suggestion that sometimes the churches- 
would act wisely in selecting some elders from 
those classes of persons whom they seek to 
reach, if suitable ones can be found. Our Lord 
selected Matthew as an apostle from among the 
publicans, partly, we believe, because he was 
specially qualified to do mission work among- 
them on account of his intimate acquaintance 
and his identification with them. An intelli- 



The Duties of Elders. 51 



gent, godly man, chosen as elder from the 
artisan class, for instance, would greatly aid 
the church in extending the gospel among them. 
We have personal knowledge of the wisdom of 
this course. Successful missions have often 
been planted by the use of this plan. Mission 
Sunday-schools often grow into churches. Our 
church rulers should use all their influence 
towards colonization from the mother church 
whenever circumstances are favorable. We 
have lost many very valuable opportunities for 
extending our cause by want of promptness in 
this regard. To colonize often requires great 
Christian self-abnegation; but we must be pre- 
pared to make such sacrifices for the grand 
interests of the gospel. If possible, the colony 
should be composed of the best material, drawn 
mainly from the neighborhood where the new 
church is to be planted. 

There are many other general duties belong- 
ing to the elder's office in the way of Christian 
activity which can scarely be classified. The 
gifts which God has bestowed upon men are 
various, and we cannot expect all elders to take 
part in every duty which belongs to their office., 
If this be insisted on, it will be impossible to 
form a session in most churches. We must use 
the different gifts of different men, allowing 
each to pursue that line of activity to which he 



52 A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 

is best adapted. In rural districts our elders 
are sometimes called upon to perform duties 
which custom has fixed upon the minister 
alone. Some of these duties the elder is en- 
tirely competent to discharge, and should not 
hesitate to do so. For instance, when a church 
member dies, and no minister can be procured, 
it is entirely proper for him to conduct the 
funeral service. If he so desires, he may use 
a form of burial service. The writer would go 
even further, and acknowledge the right of 
elders to administer the Lord's Supper. Let 
any one undertake to find scriptural authority 
for the denial of this right, and he will find the 
texts for his support very scarce. Many 
churches might be mentioned in which there 
lias not been a communion service for two 
years, because they have been without a pastor. 
Besides, there is much general work, such as 
service in evangelistic agencies, in educational 
and charitable causes, in the committees of the 
various church courts, which many of our elders 
are thoroughly competent to perform. 

(ff), The elder has most important duties to 
perform in the exercise of his joint power in the 
meetings of session. A full attendance is almost 
indispensable to efficiency, as most of these 
bodies number from two to five members. The 
average is about three to each church. They 



The Duties of Elders. 53 



are bound by solemn vows to attend the regu- 
lar meetings, which should be held at least 
monthly. Business should not be conducted 
in a hurried or perfunctory manner. It will be 
found helpful to follow a docket which brings 
up in regular order every matter which may 
come up for consideration. This mode of pro- 
cedure will greatly facilitate the execution of 
business, will prevent the omission of any im- 
portant items, and will increase the efficiency of 
the session. 

The admission of applicants to the fellowship 
of the church is a duty of the session in its col- 
lective capacity, which involves great responsi- 
bility. Upon its proper discharge depends 
largely the purity of the church. Candidates 
are sometimes examined and received in a very 
slip-shod manner. The only question to be 
determined is, whether the applicant exercises 
faith in Jesus Christ, which is the sole condi- 
tion of salvation. This will take him into 
heaven, and ought, therefore, to take him into 
the church. While the candidate should be 
spared needless catechising, it is the plain duty 
of the rulers of God's house to require credible 
evidence of saintship, and endeavor to find out 
whether he has an intelligent view of the way 
of salvation, and has sincerely and heartily em- 
braced Christ as his Saviour. They manifest 



54 A Hand-Book for Euling Elders. 

the truest interest in him by satisfying them- 
selves that he is a genuine believer, and trying 
to save him from fostering a delusion. It is no 
kindness to a person to receive him into the 
church when he is not a Christian. If the ap- 
plicant is a child of pious, wise, and discreet 
parents, who give their consent to his union 
with the church, it is unnecessary to enter into 
a minute examination, unless his character is 
bad. After a revival, especially if it has been 
conducted by a general evangelist who uses 
high-pressure methods, it is wise to wait for a 
short time at least before opening the doors of 
the church for the reception of members. If 
converts are genuine, they will not be lost to the 
church by a little delay. If they are spurious, 
delay will give them an opportunity of finding 
out their mistake before the vows of God are 
taken upon them. In times of revival excite- 
ment, examination of candidates should be very 
thorough. As a rule, it is best for applicants 
to be examined separately. Too often elders 
entrust this solemn duty to impulsive and inex- 
perienced young ministers, yielding assent to 
the judgment of the latter without due delibera- 
tion. 

AYe cannot prevent the tares from growing 
up with the w T heat, but should consider that the 
demand of the times is for a purer and more 



The Duties of Elders. 



55 



consecrated church, for quality rather than 
quantity. We may put ourselves at a disad- 
vantage by the side of other denominations by 
using great caution in receiving applicants, but 
in the end we will be the richer for it ; for the 
day is coming when " the fire shall try every 
man's work of what sort it is." 

The administration of church discipline is 
another important duty belonging to the session 
in its collective capacity. We are not disposed 
to croaking or pessimism, but we fear there has 
been a down-grade movement along this line. 
The reclamation of offenders and the honor of 
Christ demand more fidelity on the part of 
spiritual rulers in this respect. It is too often 
the case that professing Christians are allowed 
to continue in open and known sin without re- 
ceiving a rebuke or a warning. Much wisdom 
and tact are necessary to deal rightly with 
offending members. The disposition and envi- 
ronment of each one should be taken into con- 
sideration ; and the great end of discipline 
should be kept constantly in mind, viz., the 
welfare of the transgressor. If he is dealt with 
affectionately and firmly, he will generally ac- 
knowledge the truth, and it will not be neces- 
sary to have recourse to a formal trial. Thi& 
subject opens up a large field for discussion, 
upon which the writer cannot enter at this time. 



56 A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 

It may be said, however, that deep piety, loyalty 
to Christ, a good stock of common sense, and a 
tender, sincere interest in the spiritual welfare 
of offenders, will generally lead to right conclu- 
sions as to the best manner of dealing with 
them. 

At the meetings of session, pastor and elders 
should consider the situation and needs of the 
church, and should confer together as to the 
best means for increasing church activity, 
stimulating its benevolence and deepening its 
piety. The roll of membership should be ex- 
amined, and arrangements made for the visita- 
tion of the sick, the afflicted, and the needy. 
And elders should not regard themselves as 
advisers merely and collectors of information 
for the pastor, but as co-workers with him. 

Sessions should not forget their relations to 
the ungodly community outside of the church, 
and should regard themselves as an aggressive 
body bound to render valiant service in battling 
with the powers of darkness. The talents and 
zeal of all church members should be utilized 
in this great work. The church will never 
reach the highest degree of efficiency until 
every member regards himself as an evangelist 
in the wide sense of the word. "Would God 
that all the Lord's people were prophets." 

Finally, the rulers of God's house should en- 



The Duties of Elders. 



57 



deavor to work together in harmony and love. 
Any alienation between elders, any quarrels or 
misunderstandings, greatly impair the useful- 
ness of the session as a court of Christ. 

IV. The Elder in the Higher Courts. 

According to our theory, ministers and elders 
have equal rights in the courts of the church. 
As a rule they are about equally represented in 
point of numbers. In presbyteries and synods 
the elders would largely preponderate if there 
was a full attendance, as we have more churches 
than ministers. The influence they exert, how- 
ever, is far below what it should be. What- 
ever may be our theory, there is a great defect 
in the application of it, so far as the judicato- 
ries of the church are concerned. As a rule, 
elders have very little share in the discussion 
of the various questions which are brought be- 
fore our ecclesiastical assemblies. While it is 
true that their rights are not denied, yet they 
do not receive that encouragement and support 
which they justly claim. 

Ministers who are trained in public speaking, 
and are more intimately acquainted with theo- 
logical and ecclesiastical questions, are natu- 
rally expected to take a more prominent part 
in public discussions. At the same time, our 
elders should feel more deeply the grave re- 



58 



A Haxd-Book for Euling Elders. 



sponsibility resting upon them in their legis- 
lative, judicial, and executive capacities. They 
should claim their rights and show less hesi- 
tancy in the expression of their opinions. They 
have a perfect right to preside over presby- 
teries, synods, and general assemblies. Our 
church is beginning to put our theory into 
practice, and we sometimes hear of elder mod- 
erators in our courts ; but the usefulness of the 
elder by no means depends upon his capacity 
as a speaker or public officer. He may render 
invaluable service by making brief practical 
suggestions, by giving wise advice in committee 
work, and giving careful attention to the trans- 
action of business. Some of the best lawyers 
are mainly chancery lawyers, and some of the 
most efficient statesmen our country has pro- 
duced were men who had no talent for public 
speaking. We know of a very successful poli- 
tician who was never "on the stump. " He has 
no gift of speech, but has wonderful power 
over men by his cordial manners and exhibition 
of strong common sense. He succeeds in win- 
ning men to himself and to his views. He may 
be called a "button-hole" politician. Likewise 
our elders, wdio have no oratorical gifts, may 
exert a wide influence by the " button-hole " 
method, without condescending to any of the 
indirections of the lobbyist or political trickster. 



The Duties of Elders. 59 



Their talents, their knowledge of business 
and of practical affairs, should be utilized more 
extensively for the good of the church in the 
higher couris. Men who are highly qualified 
to render efficient aid in deliberative and ad- 
ministrative work, in many instances, rarely 
find their way to our ecclesiastical meetings. 
A large amount of working force remains neg- 
lected and unused. The question how we may 
reinforce the influence of the eldership in the 
liigher courts is a practical one, which presses 
upon us for solution. A too exclusive control 
of the affairs of the church by ministers should 
be studiously avoided. Monopolies have their 
dangers, even in the hands of good men. We 
believe that a larger infusion of eldership in- 
fluence and power would, in a measure, correct 
the present tendency of our church courts to 
devote too much time to the discussion of nice 
ecclesiastical and theological points, and to the 
transaction of mere routine business. Our 
eourts have a vast deal of work to do which is 
closely connected with the life of the church 
and the progress of the gospel throughout the 
world. They should give much time and 
thought to the great work of Home and 
Foreign Missions. Ways and means should be 
devised for overtaking the destitutions within 
their bounds, for reaching the neglected classes, 



60 A Hand-Book for Kuling Elders. 

for encouraging and supporting weak churches, 
and for stimulating interest in the progress of 
the kingdom of our Lord. 

Our elders are generally very practical men, 
and are disposed to view matters which relate 
to the interests of the church from a practical, 
rather than a theological, standpoint. Their 
minds are not so much concerned about the 
exact constitutionality of projected schemes and 
enterprises as about their feasibility and results. 
There is a serious difficulty in the way of 
greater efficiency on the part of elders in our 
ecclesiastical assemblies. It is the custom of 
most sessions to distribute their honors so that 
the same representative is rarely sent to pres- 
bytery or synod twice in succession. Thus 
there is a want of intimacy with current busi- 
ness which puts him at a disadvantage. Be- 
sides, most of our elders are business men so 
closely confined to their work that they cannot 
always make it convenient to attend the courts 
after they have been elected as representatives, 
and often they are compelled to withdraw from 
the meetings at a very important stage of their 
proceedings on account of engagements which 
are unavoidable. They should strenuously en- 
deavor to arrange their affairs so that they may 
be able to remain throughout the- session. A 
large amount of most important business is 



The Duties of Elders. 61 



often rushed through on the last day when only 
a handful of presbyters are present. 

Our elders who attend ecclesiastical meetings 
so irregularly will find it greatly to their ad- 
vantage to keep themselves posted upon ali 
questions agitating the mind of the church, and 
upon all matters likely to arise in the courts, 
especially the presbytery. They should read 
the church papers carefully, and utilize every 
available source of knowledge, that they may 
be prepared, if called upon, to take an intelli- 
gent part as presbyters in the administration 
of spiritual affairs. Many are models in this 
respect. They are well informed and wide 
awake. They speak well and to the point on 
most questions, and their influence is felt. 

We wish to emphasize the fact that our Pres- 
byterian system embodies the grand idea of the 
unity of the church. Each church with its offi- 
cers is a part of the great whole, and is organi- 
cally connected with it. The spiritual rulers 
of a congregation belong, in a certain sense, to 
the church as a whole, and have duties to dis- 
charge growing out of this relation. In the 
presbytery they are not to consider merely the 
interests of their individual churches, but must 
devote themselves to the work of presbyterial 
oversight and inspection. Presbyterianism is 
a little weak at this point, and there is a ten- 



62 



A Hand-Book for Euling Elders. 



dency in some of our churches to Congrega- 
tionalism. Our church has often been remiss 
in the exercise of the Episcopal function. 
Hence our members sometimes say that we 
need a bishop. Our elders may do much to 
strengthen our system at this point of weak- 
ness by teaching the people that the presby- 
tery is practically their bishop, and by insisting 
upon the assertion of presbyterial authority and 
a regular system of oversight. We do not be- 
lieve in a one-man rule, but it is better than no 
rule. Monarchy is better than anarchy. Our 
church government contains adequate provi- 
sion for effective oversight and inspection. We 
may have all the benefits of the Episcopal 
system without any of its evils. Congregations 
are often practically left to themselves, how- 
ever, and fail to realize that they are under 
authority. They do not fully grasp the idea 
that they are a part of a great organism, and 
subject to their spiritual rulers. As in our 
political government, representatives who are 
sent to Congress are charged, not merely with 
the interests of their constituency, but with 
those of the government at large, so the church 
representatives in our General Assembly are 
expected to legislate for the good of all under 
its care. They should feel that they are di- 
rectly responsible to Jesus Christ, who is head 



The Duties of Elders. 



63 



over all things to the church, and the sole ad- 
ministrator of the kingdom of grace. He is the 
source of all spiritual life and of all spiritual 
power, and he has ordained the church to be 
the great agent for the evangelization of the 
world. 

Christ has given the church an organization 
which is sufficient to develop and direct the 
energies of his people in the most effectual 
way, so that she is thoroughly equipped for 
her great work. It is the duty of his people 
faithfully and carefully to guard her as a divine 
institution, to uphold her sacred ordinances, 
and insist upon her prerogatives. "He gave 
some apostles and some prophets, and some 
evangelists, and some pastors, and some teach- 
ers: for the perfecting of the saints, for the 
work of the ministry, for the edifying of the 
body of Christ;' 



CHAPTEE III. 

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS. 

THE qualifications of elders are plainly 
laid down in the word of God. Titus i. 
5-9 : " For this cause left I thee in Crete, 
that thou shouldest set in order the things that 
are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as 
I had appointed thee ; if any be blameless, the 
husband of one wdfe, having faithful children 
not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop 
must be blameless, as the steward of God ; not 
self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, 
no striker, not given to filthy lucre ; but a lover 
of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, 
holy, temperate ; holding fast the faithful word 
as he hath been taught, that he may be able by 
sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince 
the gainsayers." 

1 Timothy iii. 2-7: "A bishop (presbyter) 
then must be blameless, the husband of one 
wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given 
to hospitality, apt to teach ; not given to wine, 
no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre ; but pa- 
tient, not a brawler, not covetous ; one that 
ruleth well his own house, having his children 

U 



The Qualifications of Elders. 65 



in subjection with ail gravity ; (for if a man 
know not how to rule his own house, how shall 
he take care of the church of God ?) not a 
novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall 
into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover 
he must have a good report of them which are 
without; lest he fall into reproach and the 
snare of the devil. " 

Our Book of Church Order sums up the 
qualifications as follows : " Those who fill this 
office ought to be blameless in life and sound 
in the faith ; they should be men of wisdom 
and discretion ; and by the holiness of their 
walk and conversation should be examples to 
the flock." In detailing the duties of elders we 
necessarily anticipated some of the qualifica- 
tions. 

The passages quoted from Timothy and Titus 
lay special emphasis upon Christian character. 
The indispensable and supreme qualification 
for a ruling elder is piety. First of all, he 
must be a godly, spiritually-minded man. The 
religious condition of a church depends largely 
upon the spiritual character of its officers. 
Their influence is felt through the whole con- 
gregation. 

The church ruler, therefore, should "take 
heed unto himself as well as unto the doctrine." 
His real worth is the measure of his influence. 
5 



66 



A Hand-Book for Buling Elders. 



His piety is the measure of his power with God 
and with man. It becomes him to seek earn- 
estly to be imbued with the mind of Christ and 
to be filled with the Holy Ghost. All the duties 
which devolve upon him are very closely re- 
lated to godliness. Without this trait, admin- 
istrative ability, knowledge, gift of speech, 
wealth and popularity will be of little avail. If 
he is a truly godly man, a man of faith and 
prayer, other important qualifications will natu- 
rally follow. But though piety is indispensa- 
ble, it is not the only qualification. Our con- 
gregations should be taught that not every 
church member who is a devout Christian is 
qualified, as a matter of course, to be a ruler in 
the house of God. When we consider the 
duties belonging to this office, it is evident that 
intelligence, practical wisdom, experience, and 
administrative capacity are likewise necessary. 

The best and wisest men among us should be 
selected. Our people should keep in mind 
that this office is not a mere arrangement of 
human expediency arising out of certain felt 
necessities, but finds its origin and authority in 
apostolic teaching and example. Congrega- 
tions sometimes make a sad and egregious 
mistake in electing a man to the eldership be- 
cause they wish to pay him a compliment, or 
because he occupies high social position and 



The Qualifications of Elders. 



67 



possesses wealth and distinction. Wealth un- 
questionably gives power and influence ; but 
neither riches nor wealth nor social position 
can qualify a man to be a ruler in God's house. 
It is a matter of great importance that elders 
should be men of intelligence and influence. 
They are sometimes called upon to deal offi- 
cially with questions of vast importance and to 
grapple with problems which perplex the ablest 
thinkers and theologians. To be destitute of 
mental capacity is to be disqualified for the 
elder's office. We are well aware of the fact 
that nearly all of our churches have great diffi- 
culty in securing a staff of thoroughly compe- 
tent men for the eldership. As the work of the 
government of the church must be carried on, 
congregations are frequently under the neces- 
sity of choosing men w T ho are below the scriptu- 
ral standard. As a rule, the best men among 
us are to be found in our sessions, and many of 
them are noble, consecrated men, who have 
contributed largely to the advancement of 
Christ's kingdom. 

The apostle tells us that an elder should be 
" apt to teach." As we have already intimated, 
the reference is not necessarily to public and 
official instruction. There must be, however, 
some faculty for the communication of know- 
ledge. It is important that our elders should 



68 A Hand-Book for Euling Elders. 



use every opportunity within their reach to 
store their minds with religious knowledge. 
They should be faithful and prayerful students 
of God's word, so that they may be able to 
work efficiently in the Sunday-school and the 
Bible-class, and guide inquirer^ intelligently. 
They should study carefully the standards of 
the church, and be able to explain the scriptu- 
ral grounds of Presbyterianism. Soundness in 
the faith is an important qualification. The 
churches which were planted and nourished by 
the apostles began to deteriorate very soon 
after their death, and errors of all kinds crept 
in through false teachers. The rapid departure 
of some of the apostolic churches from the sim- 
plicity which is in Christ and from purity of 
doctrine clearly shows the necessity of having 
sound and orthodox rulers. 

If our eiders, as a whole, fall below the scrip- 
tural standard, the fault does not lie altogether 
with them. The ministry must share the blame. 
Many of our elders have never had any train- 
ing for their work ; nor have they always been 
encouraged to take part in the administration 
of spiritual affairs. The gap between the actual 
and the ideal elder, probably, is not greater 
than that between the actual and the ideal min- 
ister. It is somewhat remarkable that Presby- 
terians should be such sticklers for an educated 



The Qualifications of Elders. 69 



ministry, and at the same time lay such little 
stress upon the training and education of elders, 
who, according to their theory, belong to the 
same general office, being only distinguished by 
a difference of function. We insist that our can- 
didates for the ministry shall take a thorough 
course of training as preliminary to their official 
service, and yet we pay little or no attention to 
the training of elders. As they serve the church 
gratuitously, and must toil for a livelihood, 
having usually a family to support, they can- 
not reasonably be expected to take a regular 
course of instruction in a seminary, or even 
under the pastor. No attempt, we believe, has 
been made to give them a regular professional 
training; but very important ends would be 
served if we could have regular elders' confer- 
ences, once or twice a year, lasting from one to 
two weeks. At these meetings they might be 
greatly edified by lectures delivered by minis- 
ters or elders, who have had large experience 
and are thoroughly acquainted with the duties 
of the office. Ministers have clubs and con- 
ferences, the object of which is to stimulate and 
help each other in their work, and to increase 
their efficiency. Sunday-school teachers hold 
institutes at which they have model teaching and 
object lessons, and lectures from experts, to in- 
crease their usefulness. The Young Men's 



70 A Hand-Book fob Ruling Elders. 

Christian Associations and the Christian En- 
deavor Societies have regular conferences which 
prove very profitable. Why should not the 
elders of a presbytery or a synod hold similar 
meetings for the enlargement of their ideas, for 
mutual edification, and obtainment of greater 
efficiency in their work ? This large, influential, 
and noble body of men should receive every 
encouragement from the ministry and from the 
people, and should have the benefit of all the 
aids within their reach. The elder who reads 
these pages may be discouraged on account of 
the very high standard of duty which is advo- 
cated. Let him remember that ideals rightly 
used not only produce a blessed discontent, 
but at the same time stimulate and inspire. 
They prevent stagnation. They lift us up and 
make us aggressive. 



PART II. 



FORMS, HELPS AND SUGGESTIONS. 



PART II. 



FORMS, HELPS AND SUGGESTIONS. 



I. 

SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE AND A FORM 
OF PR A YER FOR THE USE OF THE 
ELDER IN THE SICK ROOM. 

SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE. 

(1.) The Good Shephekd. 
Psalm xxiii. — "The Lord is my shepherd; I 
shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in 
green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still 
waters. IJe restoreth my soul ; he leadeth me 
in the paths of righteousness for his name's 
sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley 
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for 
thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff they 
comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me 
in the presence of mine enemies : thou anointest 
my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. Surely 
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the 
days of my life ; and I will dwell in the house 
of the Lord forever." 

74 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 75 



John x. 1-18. — " Verily, verily, I say unto 
you, he that entereth not by the door into the 
sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, 
the same is a thief and a robber. But he that 
entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the 
sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the 
sheep hear his voice : and he calleth his own 
sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And 
when he putteth forth his own sheep he goeth 
before them, and the sheep follow him: for 
they know his voice. And a stranger will they 
not follow, but will flee from him ; for they know 
not the voice of strangers. This parable spake 
Jesus unto them; but they understood not 
what things they were which he spake unto 
them. Then said Jesus unto them again, 
Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door 
of the sheep. All that ever came before me 
are thieves and robbers : but the sheep did not 
hear them. I am the door : by me if any man 
enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and 
out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, 
but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I 
am come that they might have life, and that 
they might have it more abundantly. I am the 
good shepherd : the good shepherd giveth his 
life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, 
and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are 
not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the 



76 A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 



sheep, and fleeth ; and the wolf catcheth them y 
and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, 
because he is a hireling, and careth not for the 
sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my 
sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father 
knoweth me, even so know I the Father; and I 
lay down my life for the sheep. And other 
sheep I have, which are not of this fold ; them 
also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice ; 
and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 
Therefore doth mv Father love me, because I 
lay down my life, that I might take it again. 
No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down 
of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I 
have power to take it again. This command- 
ment have I received of my Father." 

(2.) The Security of the Christian. 

Romans viii. 26-39. — " Likewise the Spirit 
also helpeth our infirmities : for we know not 
what we should pray for as we ought : but the 
Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with 
groanings which cannot be uttered. And he 
that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the 
mind of the Spirit, because he maketh inter- 
cession for the saints according to the will of 
God. And we know that all things work to- 
gether for good to them that love God, to them 
who are the called according to his purpose. 



Forms, Helps, and Suggestions. 77 



Tor whom lie did foreknow, he also did pre- 
destinate to be conformed to the image of his 
Son, that he might be the first-born among 
many brethren. Moreover, w T hom he did pre- 
destinate, them he also called, and whom 
lie called, them he also justified ; and whom he 
justified, them he also glorified. What shall 
we then say to these things? If God be for 
us, who can be against us? He that spared 
not his own Son, but delivered him up for 
us all, how shall he not with him also freely 
give us all things? Who shall lay anything 
to the charge of God's elect? It is God 
that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? 
It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is 
risen again, who is even at the right hand 
of God, who also maketh intercession foz; 
xis. Who shall separate us from the love of 
Christ ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or perse- 
cution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or 
sword ? As it is written, For thy sake we are 
killed all the day long; we are accounted as 
sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these 
things we are more than conquerors through 
liim that loved us. For I am persuaded, that 
' neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principali- 
ties, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to 
come, nor height nor depth, nor any other crea- 
ture, shall be able to separate us from the love of 
God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 



78 A Hand-Book for Kuling Elders. 

John x. 26-30. — " But ye believe not, because 
ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 
My sheep hear rny voice, and I know them, 
and they follow me : and I give unto them eter- 
nal life; and they shall never perish, neither 
shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My 
Father, which gave them me, is greater than 
all; and no man is able to pluck them out of 
my Father's hand. I and my Father are one." 

(3.) The Sympathy of Jesus. 

Hebrews ii. 9-18. — "But we see Jesus, who 
was made a little lower than the angels for the 
suffering of death, crowned with glory and 
honor; that he by the grace of God should 
taste death for every man. For it became him, 
for whom are all things, and by whom are all 
things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to 
make the captain of their salvation perfect 
through sufferings. For both he that sancti- 
fieth and they who are sanctified are all of one ; 
for which cause he is not ashamed to call them 
brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto 
my brethren, in the midst of the church will I 
sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put 
my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the 
children which God hath given me. Foras- 
much then as the children are partakers of flesh 
( and blood, he also himself likewise took part of 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 79 



the same ; that through death he might destroy 
him that had the power of death, that is, the 
devil; and deliver them, who through fear of 
death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 
For verily he took not on him the nature of 
angels ; but he took on him the seed of Abra- 
ham. "Wherefore in all things it behooved him 
to be made like unto his brethren, that he might 
be a merciful and faithful high priest in things 
pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for 
the sins of the people. For in that he himself 
hath suffered being tempted, he is able to suc- 
cor them that are tempted." 

Hebrews iv. 14-16. — " Seeing then that we 
have a great high priest, that is passed into the 
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast 
our profession. For we have not a high priest 
which cannot be touched with the feeling of 
our infirmities ; but was in all points tempted 
like as we are, yet without sin. Let us there- 
fore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that 
we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help irt 
time of need." 

(4.) Praise and Thankfulness. 
Psalm ciii. — " Bless the Lord, my soul : and 
all that is within me, bless his holy name. 
Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all 
his benefits : Who forgiveth all thine iniqui- 



A Haxd-Book for Euling Elders. 



ties ; who liealetli all thy diseases ; who re- 
deemeth thy life from destruction ; who crown- 
eth thee with lovinsfkindness and tender 
mercies ; who satisfieth thy mouth with good 
things ; so that thy youth is renewed like the 
eagle's. The Lord executeth righteousness and 
judgment for all that are oppressed. He made 
known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the 
children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and 
gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in 
mercy. He will not always chide : neither will 
he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt 
with us after our sins ; nor rewarded us accord- 
ing to our iniquities. For as the heaven is 
high above the earth, so great is his mercy 
toward them that fear him. As far as the east 
is from the west, so far hath he removed our 
transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth 
his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear 
him. For he knoweth our frame; he remem- 
bereth that we are dust. As for man, his days 
are as grass : as a flower of the field, so he 
flourish eth. For the wind passeth over it, and 
it is gone ; and the place thereof shall know it 
no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from 
everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear 
him, and his righteousness unto children's chil- 
dren ; to such as keep his covenant, and to 
those that remember his commandments to do 



Forms, Helps, and Suggestions. 81 



them. The Lord hath prepared his throne in 
the heavens ; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 
Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in 
strength, that do his commandments, hearken- 
ing unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the 
Lord, all ye his hosts ; ye ministers of his, that 
do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works 
in all places of his dominion : bless the Lord, 
O my soul." 

A Form of Prayer for the Sick. 

Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, 
look down, we beseech thee, with tender com- 
passion upon thy servant confined to a bed of 
sickness. Grant, in thy good providence, that 
Tie may be restored to health and strength. 
Thou has invited us to make known to thee all 
the desires of our hearts, and to spread before 
thee all our troubles, our griefs, and our pains. 
Oar hope is in thee. To whom else shall we 
go ? Thou art almighty, thou art infinitely 
kind and gracious, and thou art our Father. 
In the plentitude of thy grace and goodness 
spare thy servant, and grant him patience and 
submission under his sufferings. Sanctify to 
him his trials, and may they work out a far 
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 
Grant him a sweet and comforting sense of thy 
nearness and the blessed assurance of thy love 



82 



A Hand-Book for Euling Elders. 



and forgiveness. Enable him to repose in 
quiet confidence upon thy promises and thy 
covenant faithfulness. O blessed Lord, we 
have nothing to fear if thou art with us. Thou 
art a sun and a shield. Thou wilt give grace 
and glory, and no good thing wilt thou with- 
hold from them that walk uprightly. Hold thou 
us up, and we shall be safe — safe for time, and 
safe for eternity. Brighten the hope of thy 
servant, the precious hope of a glorious immor- 
tal life. Part the clouds that lie between him 
and thee, and let the light of thy face beam 
upon him. May he be enabled to look forward 
with joy to the hour when God shall wipe away 
every tear, and there shall be no more pain. 
Comfort the heart of thy servant, and may he 
commit all his interests to thee for time and for 
eternity, rejoicing in the assurance that all 
things work together for good to them that love 
God. We cast ourselves upon thy mercy in 
'Christ Jesus. Fill us with thy Spirit and grace, 
so that when thou shalt call us hence we may 
joyfully respond, saying, Even so, come, Lord 
Jesus, come quickly. As we pass through the 
valley of death, may we lean upon thy staff, and 
say, in triumph, I fear no evil, for thou art with 
me. Grant us an easy and safe passage through 
the gate of death, and crown us thine in thy 
kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 83 



If desirable, some suitable hymn may be 
sung, such as " Jesus, Lover of my Soul," 
" Our Times are in Thy Hands," or " My Faith 
Looks up to Thee." 



II. 

SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE AND A FORM OF 
PR A YER FOR THE USE OF THE ELDER IN 
THE CHAMBER OF BE RE A YEMEN T 

SELECTIONS. 

(1.) Submission. 

Hebrew xii. 1-17. — " Wherefore, seeing we 
also are compassed about with so great a cloud 
of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and 
the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let 
us run with patience the race that is set before 
us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher 
of our faith; who for the joy that was set be- 
fore him endured the cross, despising the 
shame, and is set down at the right hand of the 
throne of God. For consider him that endured 
such contradiction of sinners against himself, 
lest ye be w r earied and faint in your minds. Ye 
have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against 
sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation 
which speaketh unto you as unto children, My 
son, despise not thou the chastening of the 



84 



A Hand-Book for Kuling Elders. 



Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him : 
for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and 
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye 
endure chastening, God dealeth with you as 
with sons ; for what son is he whom the father 
chasteneth not ? But if ye be without chas- 
tisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye 
bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we have 
had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and 
we gave them reverence : shall we not much 
rather be in subjection unto the Father of 
spirits, and live ? For they verily for a few 
days chastened us after their own pleasure ; 
but he for our profit, that we might be par- 
takers of his holiness. Now no chastening for 
the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous : 
nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peace- 
able fruit of righteousness unto them which are 
exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands 
which hang down, and the feeble knees ; and 
make straight paths for your feet, lest that 
which is lame be turned out of the way ; but let 
it rather be healed. Follow peace with all 
men, and holiness, without which no man shall 
see the Lord : looking diligently lest any man- 
fail of the grace of God ; lest any root of bitter- 
ness springing up trouble you, and thereby 
many be defiled ; lest there be any fornicator, 
or profane person, as Esau, who for one morseL 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 



85 



of meat sold his birthright. Foi ye know how 
that afterward, when he would have inherited 
the blessing, he was rejected : for he found no 
place of repentance, though he sought it care- 
fully with tears." 

(2.) Comfort. 

John xiv. 1-27. — "Let not your heart be 
troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in 
me. In my Father's house are many mansions : 
if it were not so, I would have told you. I go 
to prepare a place for you. And if I go and 
prepare a place for you, I will come again, and 
receive you unto myself; that where I am, 
there ye may be also. And whither I go ye 
know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith 
unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou 
goest ; and how can we know the way ? Jesus 
saith unto him, I am the w^ay, the truth, and 
the life : no man cometh unto the Father, but 
by me. If }^e had known me, ye should have 
known my, Father also: and from henceforth 
ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith 
unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it 
sufficeth us. 

"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long 
time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, 
Philip ? he that hath seen me hath seen the 
Father ; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the 



86 A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 

Father? Believest thou not that I am in the 
Father, and the Father in me ? the words that 
I speak unto you I speak not of myself : but 
the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the 
works. Believe me that I am in the Father, 
and the Father in me : or else believe me for 
the very works' sake. Verily, verily, I say unto 
you, He that believeth on me, the works that I 
do shall he do also ; and greater works than 
these shall he do ; because I go unto my 
Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my 
name, that will I do, that the Father may be 
glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything 
in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep 
my commandments. And I will pray the 
Father, and he shall give you another Com- 
forter, that he may abide with you for ever : 
even the Spirit of truth ; whom the world can- 
not receive, because it seeth him not, neither 
knoweth him : but ye know him ; for he dwell- 
eth with you, and shall be in you. I will not 
leave you comfortless : I will come .to you. . . . 
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth 
them, he it is that loveth me : and he that lov- 
eth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will 
love him, and will manifest myself to him. 
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how 
is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and 
not unto the world ? Jesus answered and said 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 87 

unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my 
words : and my Father will love him, and we 
will come unto him, and make our abode with 
him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my 
sayings : and the word which ye hear is not 
mine, but the Father's which sent me. These 
things have I spoken unto you, being yet pres- 
ent with you. But the Comforter, which is the 
Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my 
name, he shall teach you all things, and bring 
all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I 
have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, 
my peace I give unto you : not as the world 
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be 
troubled, neither let it be afraid." 

(3.) Safety. 

Psalm xci. — "He that dwelleth in the secret 
place of the Most High shall abide under the 
shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the 
Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress : my 
God ; in him will I trust. Surely he shall de- 
liver thee from the snare of the fowler, and 
from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover 
thee with his feathers, and under his wings 
shalt thou trust : his truth shall be thy shield 
and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the 
terror by night ; nor for the arrow that flieth by 
day ; nor for the pestilence that walketh in 



88 A Hand- Book for Ruling Elders. 

darkness ; nor for the destruction that wasteth 
at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, 
and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it 
shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine 
eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of 
the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, 
which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy 
habitation ; there shall no evil befall thee, 
neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwell- 
ing. For he shall give his angels charge over 
thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall 
bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy 
foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon 
the lion and adder: the young lion and the 
dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because 
he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I 
deliver him : I will set him on high, because he 
hath known my name. He shall call upon me, 
and I will answer him : I will be with him in 
trouble ; I will deliver him, and honor him. 
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him 
my salvation." 

(4.) Precious Consolations. 

2 Corinthians iv. 17, 18. — "For our light 
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh 
for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight 
of glory. While we look not at the things 
which are seen, but at the things which are not 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 89 



seen : for the things which are seen are tempo- 
ral; but the things which are not seen are 
eternal." 

Isaiah xliii. 2, 3. — "When thou passest 
through the waters, I will be with thee ; and 
through the rivers, they shall not overflow 
thee : when thou walkest through the fire, thou 
shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame 
kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, 
the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave 
Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for 
thee." 

1 Peter iv. 12, 13. — " Beloved, think it not 
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to 
try you, as though some strange thing hap- 
pened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye 
are partakers of Christ's sufferings ; that when 
his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also 
with exceeding joy." 

Job v. 17-19. — " Behold, happy is the man 
whom God correcteth : therefore despise not 
thou the chastening of the Almighty: for ho 
maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, 
and his hands make whole. He shall deliver 
thee in six troubles : yea, in seven there shall 
no evil touch thee." 

James i. 2-5. — "My brethen, count it all joy 
when ye fall into divers temptations; know- 
ing this, that the trying of your faith worketh 



90 A Hand-Book for Kuling Elders. 

patience. But let patience have her perfect 
work, that ye may be perfect and entire, want- 
ing nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let 
him ask of God, that giveth to all men liber- 
ally, and upbraideth not ; and it shall be given 
him." 

1 Peter i. 7. — "That the trial of your faith, 
being much more precious than of gold that 
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be 
found unto praise and honor and glory at the 
appearing of Jesus Christ." 

Isaiah xlix. 13. — " Sing, O heavens ; and be 
joyful, O earth ; and break forth into singing, 
O mountains ; for the Lord hath comforted his 
people, and will have mercy upon his af- 
flicted." 

A Form of Prayer for the Bereaved. 
Most merciful and gracious Father, we ac- 
knowledge thee as the all-wise ruler of the 
universe, and the disposer of all events. Our 
times are in thy hands. Thou givest life, and 
thou takest it away, and thou art our Father. 
"We cannot comprehend the mystery of thy 
providence, but we know that thou art good 
and merciful and kind. Thou, who didst not 
spare thine only Son, but didst deliver him up 
for us all, wilt surely with him freely give us 
all things. Most merciful God, draw very near 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 



91 



to thy servant in his bereavement, and grant 
him the blessed consolations of thy grace. 
Give him grace that he may appropriate the 
precious promises of thy word, and enjoy sweet 
repose in thee. May no murmuring escape his 
lips. Vouchsafe to him that strong faith which 
will lead him to say : 66 Though he slay me, yet 
^/ill I trust in him." Help thy servant to real- 
ize that affliction is thine own appointed train- 
ing-school for immortality. blessed Jesus, 
who hast tasted sorrow's bitterest cup, grant 
that thine afflicted servant may feel the sweet- 
ness of thine own tender sympathy. Thou, who 
didst weep at the grave of Lazarus, and mingle 
thy sighs, sobs, and tears with those of the sor- 
rowing sisters of Bethany, comfort thy servant 
with thy love and presence, with the glorious 
hope of the resurrection and of the re-union of 
loved ones in the better world. We thank thee, 
our Father, that we are not called upon to 
sorrow as those who have no hope. We thank 
thee for all the sweet consolations of our own 
holy religion which cheer and support us in 
times of grief. Grant that the removal of our 
earthly props may cause us to lean more en- 
tirely on thee. May every earthly trial drive 
us closer to thee, and open to us more clearly 
the better world, where sorrow and sighing shall 
flee away forever. Bestow upon us divine 



92 



A Hand-Book for Kulixg Elders. 



grace, that we may be able to bear patiently all 
things which thy chastising love sees fit to ap- 
point. Sanctify this dispensation of thy provi- 
dence to thy bereaved servant, and bring us all 
at last into our Father's house on high, and we 
shall never cease to praise thee, Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost, w r orld without end. Amen. 



III. 

A FORM OF SERVICE FOR THE BURIAL OF 
THE DEAD. 

THE SERVICE AT A PRIVATE HOUSE OR IN 
CHURCH. 

"I am the resurrection and the life: he that 
believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall 
he live : and whosoever liveth and believeth in 
me shall never die." 

"We brought nothing into this world, and it 
is certain w T e can carry nothing out." "The 
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, 
blessed be the name of the Lord." 

[Here let the elder read one of the following 
selections from Scripture) : 

(a.) For General Service. 
Psalm xc. — "Lord, thou hast been our dwell- 
ingplace in all generations. Before the moun- 
tains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 93 



formed the earth and the world, even from ever- 
lasting to everlasting, thou art God. Thou 
turnest man to destruction ; and sayest, Return 
ye children of men. For a thousand years in 
thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, 
and as a watch in the night. Thou carriest 
them away as with a flood ; they are as a sleep : 
in the morning they are like grass which groweth 
up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth 
np ; in the evening it is cut down, and with- 
ereth. For we are consumed by thine anger, 
and by thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast 
set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in 
the light of thy countenance. For all our days 
are passed away in thy wrath : we spend our 
years as a tale that is told. The days of our 
years are threescore years and ten ; and if by 
reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet 
is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is 
soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth 
the power of thine anger? even according to 
thy fear, so is thy wrath. So teach us to num- 
ber our days, that we may apply our hearts 
unto wisdom. Return, O Lord, how long ? and 
let it repent thee concerning thy servants. O 
satisfy us early with thy mercy ; that we may 
rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us 
glad according to the days wherein thou hast 
afflicted us, and the years wherein we have 



94 A Hand-Book foe Ruling Elders. 



seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy ser- 
vants, and thy glory unto their children. And 
let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon 
us : and establish thou the work of our hands 
upon us ; yea, the work of our hands establish, 
thou it." 

Or, 1 Corinthians xv. 20-57. — "But now is 
Christ risen from the dead, and become the 
firstfruits of them that slept. For since by 
man came death, by man came also the resur- 
rection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, 
even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But 
every man in his own order : Christ the first- 
fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his 
coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall 
have delivered up the kingdom to God, even 
the Father; when he shall have put down all 
rule, and all authority and power. For he 
must reign, till he hath put all enemies under 
his feet. The last enemy that shall be de- 
stroyed is death. For he hath put all things 
under his feet. But when he saith, All things 
are put under him, it is manifest that he is ex- 
cepted, which did put all things under him. 
And when all things shall be subdued unto 
him, then shall the Son also himself be subject 
unto him that put all things under him, that 
God may be all in all. Else what shall they 
do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 95 



rise not at all? why are they then baptized for 
the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy 
every hour ? I protest by your rejoicing which 
I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 
If after the manner of men I have fought with 
beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if 
the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to- 
morrow we die. Be not deceived : evil com- 
munications corrupt good manners. Awake to 
righteousness, and sin not; for some have not 
the knowledge of God: I speak this to your 
shame. 

"But some man will say, How are the dead 
raised up ? and with what body do they come ? 
Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quick- 
ened, except it die : and that which thou sowest, 
thou sowest not that body that shall be, but 
bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some 
other grain: but God giveth it a body as it 
hath pleased him, and to every seed his own 
body. All flesh is not the same flesh; but 
there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh 
of beasts, another of fishes, and another of 
birds. There are also celestial bodies, and 
bodies terrestrial : but the glory of the celestial 
is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory 
of the moon, and another glory of the stars ; for 
one star differeth from another star in glory. 



96 



A Hand-Book for Euling Elders. 



So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is 
sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption ; 
it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory ; it 
is sown in weakness, it is raised in power ; it is 
sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual 
body. There is a natural body, and there is a 
spiritual body. And so it is written, The first 
man Adam was made a living soul; the last 
Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit 
that was not first which is spiritual, but that 
which is natural ; and afterward that which is 
spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: 
the second man is the Lord from heaven. As 
is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy : 
and as is the heavenly, such are they also that 
are heavenly. And as we have borne the image 
of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of 
the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that 
flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of 
God ; neither doth corruption inherit incorrup- 
tion. Behold, I shew you a mystery : "We shall 
not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a 
moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last 
trump : for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead 
shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be 
changed. For this corruptible must put on in- 
corruption, and this mortal must put on immor- 
tality. So when this corruptible shall have put 
on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 97 

on immortality, then shall be brought to pass 
the saying that is written, Death is swallowed 
up in victory. 

" O death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where 
is thy victory ? The sting of death is sin ; and 
the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be 
to God, which giveth us the victory through 
our Lord Jesus Christ." 

(5.) For a Child. 

2 Samuel xii. 15-23. — " And Nathan departed 
unto his house. And the Lord struck the 
child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it 
was very sick. David therefore besought God 
for the child; and David fasted, and went in, 
and lay all night upon the earth. And the 
elders of his house arose, and went to him, to 
raise him up from the earth ; but he would not, 
neither did he eat bread with them. And it 
came to pass on the seventh day, that the child 
died. And the servants of David feared to tell 
him that the child was dead : for they said, 
Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake 
unto him, and he would not hearken unto our 
voice : how will he then vex himself, if we tell 
him that the child is dead ? But when David 
saw that his servants whispered, David per- 
ceived that the child was dead : therefore David 
said unto his servants, Is the child dead ? And 



98 A Hand -Book for Ruling Elders. 

they said, He is dead. Then David arose from 
the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, 
and changed his apparel, and came into the 
house of the Lord, and worshipped: then he 
came to his own house ; and when he required, 
they set bread before him, and he did eat. 
Then said his servants unto him, What thing 
is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and 
weep for the child, while it was alive ; but when 
the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat 
bread. And he said, While the child was yet 
alive, I fasted and wept : for I said, Who can 
tell whether God will be gracious to me, that 
the child may live? But now he is dead, 
wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back 
again ? I shall go to him, but he shall not re- 
turn to me." 

Matthew xviii. 1-6. — "At the same time came 
the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the 
greatest in the kingdom of heaven ? And Jesus 
called a little child unto him, and set him in 
the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto 
you, Except ye be converted, and become as 
little children, ye shall not enter into the king- 
dom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall 
humble himself as this little child, the same is 
greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso 
shall receive one such little child in my name 
xeceiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 99 

these little ones which believe in me, it were 
better for him that a millstone were hanged 
about his neck, and that he were drowned in 
the depth of the sea." 

(<?.) For an Aged Person. 
Psalm xcii. 12-15. — "The righteous shall 
flourish like the palm tree ; he shall grow like a 
cedar in Lebanon. Those that he planted in 
the house of the Lord shall flourish in the 
courts of our God. They shall still bring forth 
fruit in old age ; they shall be fat and flourish- 
ing; to shew that the Lord is upright: he is 
my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in 
him." 

Genesis xlvii. 9. — "And Jacob said unto 
Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrim- 
age are a hundred and thirty years : few and 
evil have the days of the years of my life been, 
and have not attained unto the days of the 
years of the life of my fathers in the days of 
their pilgrimage." 

Job v. 26. — "Thou shalt come to thy grave 
in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in 
his season." 

Isaiah xlvi. 4. — "And even to your old age I 
am he ; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you : 
I have made, and I will bear ; even I will carry, 
and will deliver you." 



100 A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 



[Here the elder may use the following form of 
prayer] : 

O God our Father, we come to thee at this 
time with burdened hearts. But thou art a 
sufficient help in every time of need. Thou art 
the Father of mercies, and the God of all com- 
fort. We beseech thee, our Father, to soothe 
and sustain those up'on whom thou hast laid 
thine afflicting hand. Grant them willing sub- 
mission to thy holy will, and fill them with the 
comforts of thy salvation. May the lesson of 
this dispensation be laid to heart, and may thy 
sorrowing ones be sanctified through the dis- 
cipline of thy providence. May we learn to set 
our affections upon things above, and not upon 
things that are upon the earth. Oh, help us to 
heed the voice of thy rod, and to sit loose to 
the things of the world. Bring us into closer 
union and communion with thyself, and give us 
a stronger hold upon things unseen and eternal. 
Impress upon us the transitory and unsatisfac- 
tory nature of all earthly good, and fix our 
hearts upon the imperishable treasures of 
heaven. 

"We thank thee, our Father, for the precious 
hope given to thy children of a renewal in a 
brighter and happier world of the ties which 
are sundered here on earth. Beyond the weep- 
ing we shall be soon, and the sad partings of 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 101 

earth shall be forgotten as we pass into the 
sweet fellowship of kindred spirits on high, and 
into blessed and uninterrupted communion 
with our glorified Lord a ad Saviour. May this 
hope sanctify us and cheer our hearts as we 
walk amid the shadows of earth. Prepare us 
all for the change which awaits us, and may we 
behold thy face in righteousness, and drink 
forever of the rivers of thy pleasure. And to 
thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be all the 
praise and the glory forever. Amen. 

Here a suitable hymn may be sung, such as 
"Jesus, Lover of my Soul," or " Asleep in 
Jesus," or " How Blest the Righteous," or 
"Beyond the Smiling and the Weeping." 

Service at the Grave. 

[After the body has been lowered into the 
grave the elder shall say] : Forasmuch as it 
hath pleased Almighty God to take out of this 
world the soul of our departed brother, we 
commit his body to the ground ; earth to earth, 
ashes to ashes, dust to dust. And we look for 
the general resurrection in the last day and the 
life of the world to come, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ, at whose second coming in glo- 
rious majesty to judge the world, the earth and 
the sea shall give up their dead, and the cor- 
ruptible bodies of those who sleep in him shall 



102 A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 



be changed and made like unto his glorious 
body, according to the working whereby he is 
able to subdue all things unto himself. 

" I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he 
shall stand at the latter day upon the earth ; 
and though after my skin worms destroy this 
body, yet in my flesh shall I see God, whom I 
shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall be- 
hold, and not another." 

Closing Prayer. 

Our Father in heaven, we thank thee for the 
victory won over death and the grave by thy 
dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour. We bless 
thee for the precious hope born of his resurrec- 
tion victory. May it cheer and sustain us as 
we stand by this fresh-made grave of our de- 
parted loved one. 

May the resurrection of our blessed Lord be 
to us a pledge and guarantee of our resurrec- 
tion. Grant that we may live in closer fellow- 
ship with our risen Lord, and may seek more 
earnestly those things which are above, where 
Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. And 
when the earthly house of this tabernacle is 
dissolved, may w r e have a building of God, a 
house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. And to thy name be the praise for- 
ever. Amen, 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 103 



IV. 

Directions for Conducting a Service for a 
Sunday- School. 

1. The services may be opened with a hymn. 
(A 11 the children should he required to join in 
the singing.) 

2. Reading of the Sunday-school lesson, in 
which the Superintendent and the school read 
verses alternately. The whole school should be 
required to join in the reading. 

3. Prayer. [ITere the Superintendent may 
use the following prayer] : Our Father in 
heaven, as we are gathered to-day to study thy 
holy word, we invoke the presence and influ- 
ence of the Holy Spirit. Open thou our eyes, 
that we may behold wondrous things out of 
thy law. May thy word be a lamp to our feet 
and a light to our pathway. Help us to treas- 
ure up in our minds and hearts its precious 
teachings, and practice them in our daily lives. 
Let thy blessing rest upon this school. May 
all the teachers be diligent, faithful, and earn- 
est. Grant that all the pupils may lay to heart 
the instructions which are imparted to them. 
We beseech thee, our Father, that thy truth 
may find a lodgment in every heart, and bring 
forth fruit unto eternal life. May these chil- 
dren remember their Creator in the days of 



104 A Hand-Book for Buling Elders. 



their youth, and give their hearts to Christ be- 
fore they have been hardened by sin. Oh, grant 
us the enlightening, convincing, renewing in- 
fluences ot thy Holy Spirit in all our services. 
May this school be a nursery for Christ, from 
which shall go forth many who shall be a bless- 
ing to the church and to the world. Bless the 
services of this hour, and may great good be 
done this day in the name of the holy child 
Jesus. And all these blessings we ask through 
the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

4. Hymn. 

5. {Iiere the teachers are called upon to take 
their classes and go through the lesson with their 
pupils.'] 

6. The lessons being concluded, the Super- 
intendent may ask the school to give the Golden 
Text. He may also ask several leading ques- 
tions concerning the lesson. Several questions 
from the Shorter Catechism may be asked in 
this connection. The Superintendent, if so in- 
clined, may sum up the teachings of the lesson 
in a few minutes' talk, and endeavor to impress 
them upon the school. 

7. Collection and report of the number of 
teachers and pupils present. 

8. Hymn. 

9. The Apostles' Creed and the Lord's 
Prayer, in which the whole school unites. 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 105 



The Creed. 

"I believe in God the Father Almighty, 
maker of heaven and earth ; and in Jesus Christ, 
his only Son, our Lord ; which was conceived by 
the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suf- 
fered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, 
and buried. The third day he arose from the 
dead ; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on 
the right hand of God the Father. From 
thence he shall come to judge the quick and the 
dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy 
catholic church, the communion of saints, the 
forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, 
and the life everlasting, xlmen." 

The Lord's Prayer. 

" Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed 
be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be 
done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this 
day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts 
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not 
into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For 
thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the 
glory, forever. Amen." 

[If the Superintendent prefers to omit the 
creed, he may ask the school to joi?i him in offer- 
ing the Lord's Prayer.] 



106 A Hand -Book for .Ruling Elders. 



V. 

Suggestions in Begard to Public Worship for 
the Use of Elders in the Absence of the 
Pastor. 

1. Hymn. [Opening hymn, such as, " Come, 
Thou Almighty King," or "Awake, my Soul, 
to Joyful Lays," or "Holy Ghost, with Light 
Divine."] 

2. Beading of Scripture. 

3. Prayer. \_The elder may use the following 
prayer] : Almighty God, our heavenly Father, 
who in thy good providence hast permitted us 
to meet in thy house, enable us to worship thee 
in the beauty of holiness. We adore thee for 
all thy perfections and thy glorious grace. We 
magnify thee as the ruler and governor of the 
world, as the Father of lights, as the God of all 
comfort. We render thee our hearty thanks 
for thy great goodness to us and to all men, 
Thou art merciful and gracious, long suffering, 
and abundant in goodness and truth. From 
thy bountiful hand we are daily supplied, and 
thy mercies are fresh to us every morning. We 
thank thee, above all things, for the unspeak- 
able gift of thy dear Son, our Lord, through 
w T hose merits alone we hope for a blessed im- 
mortality. 

We humbly confess before thee our many 



Fokms, Helps and Suggestions. 107 



sins and shortcomings; our offences are more 
in number than the sand. Help us to feel the 
sins we own, and turn from them with full pur- 
pose of heart, and endeavor after new obe- 
dience. Deliver us from the dominion and 
love of sin, and make us holy in heart and life. 
Let thy benediction rest upon this congrega- 
tion. Suit thy blessing to the needs of each 
one. Thou knowest all our cares, troubles and 
sorrows. Brighten every home represented 
here to-day by thy presence and love, and re- 
move every cause of disturbance or friction. 
Comfort the afflicted. Restore the sick to 
health. Cheer the despondent. Help all who 
are oppressed with care to cast their burdens 
upon the Lord. Bless the careless and impeni- 
tent, and lead them to Christ. Restore the 
backsliding. Remember in great mercy our 
country. Bless the chief magistrate of our na- 
tion, and all that are in authority. May they 
rule in thy fear, and may the people lead quiet 
and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty. 
Look down in mercy upon a world lying in 
sin, and prosper thy church everywhere. Send 
the gospel to the dark places of the earth, and 
may the time soon come when the knowledge 
of God shall cover the earth as the waters the 
great deep. And all these things we ask 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



108 A Hand-Book for Kuling Elders. 



4. Hymn. [Some devotional hymn, such as 
" Nearer, my God, to Thee," or " I Heard the 
Voice of Jesus Say," or " What a Friend we 
have in Jesus."] 

5. Collection of offerings. [Here the elder 
may state the object of the collection, ivhether for 
one of the Assembly's objects of benevolence, or 
for church expenses, and may make any explana- 
tion he sees fit. ~] 

6. The elder may give an explanation of 
some passage of Scripture, or make a talk on 
any religious subject which has engaged his 
thoughts, or he may read a sermon from some 
good volume, or he may read some lessons from 
Scripture. 

[There are many good volumes of sermons 
from which a selection may be made, such as 
"Kerr's Day-Dawn and the Rain" ; " Contrary 
Winds" by Dr. Taylor, of New York; " Spur- 
geons Sermons" " Talmage's Sermons" "Moody's 
Discourses," etc., etc.] 

7. Concluding prayer : O Lord, our God, 
deeply impress upon us the teachings of thy 
word this day. May the lessons we have heard 
with our outward ears sink into our hearts, and 
bring forth fruit in holy living. May the ser- 
vices of thy house be helpful to us, and may 
we retire to our several homes strengthened, 
cheered, and more fully determined to serve 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 109 



thee with all fidelity. May our improvement 
correspond with our privileges, and may we 
grew daily in every Christian grace and virtue. 
Guide and sustain us amid all the perplexities 
and temptations of life, and finally receive us 
to thyself, for Christ's sake. Amen. 

8. Hymn. [A hymn may he selected which 
bears upon the Scripture lesson,'] 

Doxology. 



VI. 

Suggestions as to Order of Service for a 
Prayer-Meeting. 

[The elder should endeavor to avoid stiffness 
and formality as much as possible^ and make 
this service a popular one. The people should 
he urged to sit in a hodyJ] 

1. Hymn. [Select familiar hymns from 
"Gospel Hymns," generally used in prayer- 
meetings, such as "In the cross of Christ, I 
glory," or "More love to thee, O Christ," etc.] 

2. Prayer. We thank thee, O Lord, our 
God, for the blessed privilege of prayer. As 
we now draw aside for a brief season from the 
cares and concerns of the world, meet with us, 
and manifest thyself to us graciously, and bless 
lis. We need thee every daj^ and every hour. 
We are prone to forget thee, and to fall into 



110 A Hand-Book for Euling Elders. 



sin and indifference. O, sustain us by thy grace, 
and give us the victory over self and sin. Help 
us to be faithful followers of Christ. Make us 
useful and earnest Christians, and may thy 
cause be very near our hearts. Use us for the 
good of our fellow-men and the furtherance of 
thy kingdom. May the services of this hour 
conduce to our spiritual growth and to the 
honor and glory of thy name. And may thy 
blessing ever rest upon us, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

3. Hymn. 

4. [Here the elder may call upon some one to 
lead in prayer, if any one present is willing. 
The prayers should he short and pointed.'] 

5. Reading the Scripture. 

6. [Here the elder may make some remarks 
upon the passage read, and then open the meet- 
ing for short talks from brethren, or he may talk 
on any religious subject which strikes him as 
suitable for the occasion.] 

7. Hymn. 
Doxology. 

Sometimes the elder may find it profitable to 
give a Bible reading instead of a talk on a 
single passage. He may select several pass- 
ages bearing upon a topic, and designate cer- 
tain ones present to read aloud the verses as 
they are announced. Brief comments may be 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. Ill 



made on the passages just after they are read. 
Such books as Notes and Suggestions for Bible 
Headings, edited by S. R. Briggs and John H. 
Elliott (F. H. Eevell, 148 and 150 Madison 
street, Chicago, 111.), will be found very helpful. 



VII. 

How to Call a Pastor. 

If a church is without a pastor, prompt mea- 
sures should be taken to secure one. The 
elders should have a meeting and appoint a 
committee to make diligent inquiry after a 
suitable man. They might write to the chair- 
man of Presbyterial Home Missions, and to 
other ministers of their acquaintance, asking 
them to interest themselves in their behalf; 
or they might hold direct correspondence with 
some minister whom they may have in view 
as pastor. Our Book of Order gives the fol- 
lowing instructions : The pastor must be elected 
by the members of the church. The session is 
required to give public notice of the election to 
be held at the usual place of worship, so that 
all the members may be present, and they are 
required to convene them when requested by a 
majority of voters. 

If a minister cannot be conveniently obtained, 



112 A Hand-Book for Ruling Elders. 



one of tlie elders may preside over the meeting. 
The blessing and guidance of Almighty God 
should be invoked before the church proceeds 
to elect. When they are convened, the Mod- 
erator shall put the question, "Are you ready 
to proceed to the election?" If they declare 
themselves ready, the Moderator shall call for 
nominations; or the election may proceed by 
ballot without nominations. A majority of all 
the voters present is necessary to elect, and only 
church members in regular standing are entitled 
to vote. When a pastor is elected, the Mod- 
erator must proceed to draw a call in the fol- 
lowing form : 

Form of Call. 

The church of being on 

sufficient grounds well satisfied of the ministe- 
rial qualifications of you, , and 

having good hopes from our past experience 
(or knowledge) of your labors, that your minis- 
trations in the gospel will be profitable to our 
spiritual interests, do earnestly call you to un- 
dertake the pastoral office in said congregation, 
promising you in the discharge of your duty all 
proper support and encouragement in the Lord. 
And that you may be free from worldly cares 
and avocations, we hereby promise and oblige 
ourselves to pay you the sum of . . . , in 
regularly monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 



113 



annual payments, during the time of your 
being and continuing the regular pastor of this 
church. 

In testimony whereof, we have respectively 

subscribed our names this day 

of 

Attested by A. B., Moderator of the meeting. 

On account of inconvenience, it is not usual 
for the members of the church to place their 
signatures to the call. So it is necessary for 
some one to make a motion that the ruling 
elders and deacons, or a committee (names de- 
signated) be empowered to sign for the church. 
After this motion is carried, the Moderator must 
certify in writing that the persons were ap- 
pointed for that purpose by public vote, and 
that the call is in due order. The Moderator 
may give some such certificate as this : 

"I hereby certify that the persons signing 
this call were regularly appointed to do so for the 
church, and also that the call has been made out 
according to the requirements of the Book." 
(Signed), "A. B.," Moderator. 

One or more commissioners must be ap- 
pointed to present and prosecute the call be- 
fore the presbytery. If the minister called be 
from another presbytery, the commissioners 



114 A Hand-Book fob Ruling Elders. 



appointed must prosecute the call before the 
presbytery to which he belongs, having gotten 
a certificate from their own presbytery that the 
call is in order, and having obtained permis- 
sion to prosecute it. 



VIII. 

A Docket, or Programme, for Sessional Use. 

1. Session opened with prayer, and names of 
members present recorded. 

2. The minutes of last meeting read. 

3. Excuses of absentees. 

4. Unfinished business. 

5. Reception of members by letter or by ex- 
amination. 

6. Any members to be dismissed by letter to 
other churches ; or, have any members moved 
to other churches without calling for their let- 
ters ? 

7. Are there any in the congregation sick or 
in need, and how shall they be attended to ? 

8. Are there any strangers in the community 
who have Presbyterian affiliations and might 
be induced to identify themselves with this 
church or congregation ? 

9. Are there any parents who are neglecting 
the baptism of their children? What means 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 115 



shall be used to bring them to a sense of their 
duty? 

10. Are there any members who are neglect- 
ing public worship, or have fallen into sin, and 
are bringing reproach upon the church ? If so, 
what steps shall be taken to reach them ? Are 
there any in need of discipline ? 

11. Are there any especially interested in the 
subject of religion? 

12. New business, or any matters concerning 
the general spiritual interests of the church. 

13. Election of representatives to Presbytery, 
and reports from same (spring and fall). Elec- 
tion of representatives to Synod, and report 
from the same (fall). 

14. Minutes read and corrected. 

15. Session closed with prayer. 



IX. 

A Constitution for a Christian Workers' 
Association. 

I. This society shall be called the " Chris- 
tian Workers' Association." 

II. Its object is to promote piety among its 
members and to make them more useful in the 
service of God, and to extend the interests of 
Christ's kingdom in the community by active 
Christian work. 



116 A Haxd-Book for Ruling Elders. 



III. The officers of this society shall be a Pre- 
sident, Vice-President, and Secretary. There 
shall be a re-election of officers every year. 
(The President is ordinarily an elder, but not 
necessarily.) 

IV. This society shall have the following 
committees, which shall report concerning the 
work assigned to them at every regular meet- 
ing : 

1. Committee on Strangers. — This committee 
shall look after all strangers who may attend 
the services of the church, give them a cordial 
welcome, invite them to return, and give their 
names to the pastor. If the church is in town, 
the committee shall visit hotels and boarding- 
houses just before preaching and invite strangers 
to attend, either by cards or personal inter- 
view. They shall also visit strangers who set- 
tle in the community having Presbyterian affilia- 
tions. 

2. Sunday -School Committee. — This commit- 
tee shall endeavor to find out, by inquiry and 
visitation, children who are neglected, or who 
attend no Sunday-school, and shall seek to in- 
duce them to attend Sunday-school. They 
shall also look after the general interests of the 
school, and try to advance it in every proper way. 

3. Committee to Visit the Sick and the Desti- 
tute. — This committee shall visit the members 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 117 



of the church and congregation who are sick, 
and look after any who may be in need. 

4. Committee on Literature. — This committee 
shall collect the religious papers of the congre- 
gation after they are read and distribute them 
where they are most needed. They shall also 
do everything in their power to circulate good 
religious literature in the way of Bibles, tracts, 
and books. 

5. Pastor's Aid Committee. — This committee 
shall watch for any who may be interested in 
the subject of religion, and inform the pastor of 
the same. They shall inform him from week 
to week of any who may be sick or in trouble 
and need his attention. They shall keep in 
close touch with the pastor to assist in every 
way he may direct. 

Other committees be added according to the 
needs of the church and community. 

The society may hold its meetings fortnightly 
or monthly in connection with the week-day 
services of the church, or may have a separate 
service. It is under the control of the session, 
and the pastor is a member ex-ojficio. Some 
devotional exercises should always be held with 
every meeting. Every member of the society 
should be placed on some committee, and 
should feel bound to engage in some form of 
active work. 



118 A Hand-Book for Euling Elders. 



X. 

Rules of Parliamentarx Order for the Guid- 
ance of Euling Elders in the Courts of the 
Church. 

The following rules of parliamentary order 
were adopted by the General Assembly in 1866 
for its own guidance. While they do not form 
a part of the constitution of the church, they 
are in general use in our presbyteries and 
synods. 

Eules of Parliamentary Order. 

Of Opening the Sessions. 

1. The Moderator shall take the chair pre- 
cisely at the hour to which the court stands 
adjourned; shall immediately call the members 
to order; and on the appearance of a quorum, 
the session shall be opened with prayer. 

2. If a quorum be assembled at the hour ap- 
pointed, and the Moderator be absent, the last 
Moderator, or oldest minister present, shall take 
the chair without delay. 

3. If a quorum be not assembled at the hour 
appointed, any two members shall be compe- 
tent to adjourn from time to time, that an 
opportunity may be given for a quorum to 
assemble. 

4. After calling the roll, and marking the 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 



119 



absentees, the minutes of the last sitting shall 
be read, and, if requisite, corrected. 

Of the Moderator I 

5. It shall be the duty of the Moderator to 
preserve order, and to conduct all business be- 
fore the court to a speedy and proper result. 

6. He is to propose to the court every sub- 
ject of deliberation that comes before it. 

7. He may propose what appears to him the 
most regular and direct way of bringing any 
business to issue. 

8. He shall always announce the names of 
members arising to speak, prevent them from 
interrupting each other, and require them in 
speaking always to address the chair. 

9. He shall prevent a speaker from deviating 
from the subject and from using personal re- 
flections. 

10. He shall silence those who refuse to 
observe order. 

11. He shall prevent members leaving the 
court without his permission. 

12. He shall, when the deliberations are 
ended, put the question, and call the vote. 

13. In all questions he shall give a clear and 
concise statement of the object of the vote, and 
the vote being taken, he shall declare how the 
question is decided. 



120 A Haxd-Book for Euling Elders. 



14. He shall carefully keep notes of the 
orders of the day and call them up at the times 
appointed. 

15. He may speak to points of order in pre- 
ference to other members, rising from his seat 
for that purpose, and shall decide questions of 
order subject to an appeal to the court, without 
debate, by any two members. 

16. If any member consider himself aggrieved 
by any decision of the Moderator, it shall be 
his privilege to appeal to the court, and the 
question on such appeal shall be taken without 
debate. 

17. It is his duty to appoint all committees, 
except in those cases in which the court shall 
decide otherwise. 

18. When a vote is taken by ballot, or by 
yeas and nays, he shall vote with the other 
members ; in other cases, when the court is 
equally divided, he shall possess the casting 
vote. If he be not willing to decide, he shall 
put the question a second time ; and if the 
court be again equally divided, and he declines 
to give his vote, the question shall be lost. 

19. He may call any member to the chair to 
preside temporarily. 

Of the Clerk. 

20. As soon as possible after the commence- 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 



121 



ment of the first session of every court, the 
clerk shall form a complete roll of the members 
present, and put the same into the hands of 
the Moderator ; and whenever any additional 
members take their seats, he shall add their 
names in their proper places to the said roll. 

21. He shall immediately file all papers in 
the order in which they have been read, with 
proper endorsements, and keep them in perfect 
order. 

Of the Order of Business. 

22. After the reading of the minutes of the 
preceding day, the following order of business 
shall be observed : 

(a) , Communications addressed to the body ; 

(b) , Reports of standing committees ; 

(c) , Reports of select committees ; 

(d) , Resolutions ; 

each of which papers may, by unanimous con- 
sent, be taken up immediately on presentation, 
but if objection be made, it shall be docketed. 

Secondly. The unfinished business in which 
the court was engaged at the last preceding ad- 
journment in preference to the orders of the 
day ; but such unfinished business may, on mo- 
tion, without debate, be laid on the table, to 
proceed with the special order. 

Thirdly. As soon as the special order and 
the unfinished business are disposed of, the 



122 A Hand-Book for Euling Elders. 



business on the docket will be called ; but mo- 
tions to elect officers, to appoint committees, 
and to enroll members, shall always be in 
order, unless a member is speaking or the court 
is voting. 

Of Motions. 

23. A motion must be seconded and after- 
ward repeated by the Moderator, or read aloud, 
before it is debated ; but this shall be no bar to 
an explanation of the object of any motion by 
the mover, provided he does not exceed five 
minutes ; and every motion shall be reduced to 
writing if the Moderator or any member re- 
quire it. 

24. The mover of a resolution is entitled to 
the floor, if he so desire, after the Moderator 
has stated the question. 

Of Withdrawal of Motions. 

25. Any member who shall have made a mo- 
tion shall have liberty to withdraw it, with the 
consent of his second, before any debate has 
taken place thereon, but not afterward, without 
leave of the court. 

Of Limitations of Debate. 

26. Motions to lay on the table, to docket, to 
take up business, and to adjourn, and the call 
for the question, shall be put without debate. 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 123 



On questions of order, postponement, or com- 
mitment, no member shall speak more than 
once. On all other questions each member 
may speak twice, but not oftener, without ex- 
press leave of the court. 

Of Privileged Questions. 

27. When a question is under debate, no mo- 
tion shall be received unless to adjourn, to 
docket, to lay on the table, to amend, to post- 
pone indefinitely, to postpone to a day certain, 
or to commit, which several motions shall have 
precedence in the order in which they are 
herein arranged, and the motion for adjourn- 
ment shall always be in order. 

Of the Question. 

28. When any member shall have called for 
"the question," the Moderator shall, without 
debate, put the vote, "Is the court ready for 
the question ? " If the call be seconded by a 
majority of the members present, the vote shall 
immediately be taken on the pending question, 
whatever it may be, without further debate. 

Of Division of the Question. 

29. If a motion under debate contains seve- 
ral parts, any two members may have it di- 
vided, and a question taken on each part. 



124 A Haxd-Book for Ruling Elders. 



Of Amendments. 

30. An amendment may be moved on any 
question, as also an amendment to the amend- 
ment, which shall be decided before the original 
proposition; but two distinct amendments to 
the pending question shall not be entertained 
at the same time, whether moved as substitutes 
for the whole matter, or as changing any part 
thereof. 

31. One proposition may be substituted for 
another, w T hen the substitute covers the whole 
matter of the original, and this shall be done 
by moving to strike out the original, and to 
insert the substitute. 

Of Reconsideration. 

32. A question shall not be reconsidered at 
the same sessions of the court at which it has 

i been decided, unless by the consent of a ma- 
jority of the members who were present at the 
decision, and unless the motion to reconsider 
be made by the person who voted with the 
majority. 

33. A subject which has been indefinitely 
postponed shall not be again called up during 
the same sessions of the court, unless by the 
consent of three-fourths of the members who 
were present at the decision. 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 125 



Of Speakers. 

34. If more than one member rise to speak 
at the same time, the member who is most dis- 
tant from the Moderator's chair shall speak first. 

35. Every member, when speaking, shall ad- 
dress himself to the Moderator and shall treat 
his fellow members, and especially the Moder- 
ator with decorum and respect. 

Of Interruptions. 

36. No speaker shall be interrupted unless 
he be out of order or for the purpose of cor- 
recting mistakes or misrepresentations. 

Of Voting. 

37. Members shall not decline voting unless 
excused by the court. 

38. When various motions are made with 
respect to the filing of blanks with particular 
members or times, the question shall always be 
first taken on the highest number and the 
longest time. 

39. When the Moderator has commenced 
taking the vote, no further debate or remark 
shall be permitted, unless there has evidently 
been a mistake, in which case the mistake shall 
be rectified, and the Moderator shall recom- 
mence taking the vote. 

40. The years and nays on any question 



126 A Hand-Book for Kuling Elders. 



shall not be recorded unless it be required by 
one-third of the members present ; and every 
member shall vote "yea" or "nay," unless ex- 
cused by the court. In a judicial case, mem- 
bers thus excused shall not be allowed to vote 
in any of the subsequent proceedings relating 
thereto. 

41. In all elections it shall require a majority 
of the votes cast to elect. 

Of Committees. 

42. The person first named on any commit- 
tee shall be considered as the chairman thereof, 
whose duty it shall be to convene the committee 
and preside therein, and in case of his absence 
or inability to act, the second named member 
shall take his place and perform his duties. 

Of Private Sessions. 

43. All courts have a right to sit in private 
on business which, in their judgment, ought not 
to be a matter of public speculation. 

Of the Committee of the Whole. 

44. Every court has a right to resolve itself 
into a committee of the whole, or to hold what 
are commonly called interlocutory meetings, in 
which members may freely converse together 
without the formalities necessary in their ordi- 



Forms, Helps and Suggestions. 127 

nary proceedings. In all sucli cases the Mod- 
erator shall name the member who is to preside 
as chairman. If the committee be unable to* 
agree, a motion may be made that the committee; 
rise, and upon the adoption of such motion the 
Moderator shall resume the chair, and the chair- 
man of the committee shall report what has 
been done, and ask that the committee be dis- 
charged, which being allowed, the matter shall 
be dropped. If the committee shall agree upon 
the report to be made, or have made progress 
in the same without coming to a conclusion, the 
committee may rise, report what has been done y 
and if the case require, may ask leave to sit 
again ; or the committee of the whole may be 
dissolved, and the question considered by the 
court in the usual order of business. 

Of Decorum, 

45. Without express permission no member 
of the court, while business is going on, shall 
engage in private conversation ; nor shall mem- 
bers address one another, nor any person pre- 
sent, but through the Moderator. 

46. When more than three members of the 
court shall be standing at the same time, the 
Moderator shall require all to take their seats, 
the person only excepted who may be speak- 
ing. 



128 A Hand-Book for Kuling Elders. 



47. If any member act in any respect in a 
disorderly manner, it shall be the privilege of 
any member, and the duty of the Moderator, to 
call him to order. 

48. No member shall retire from any court 
without the leave of the Moderator, nor with- 
draw from it to return home without the consent 
of the court. 

Of Cases Unprovided For. 

49. All cases that may arise, not provided for 
in the foregoing rules, shall be governed by the 
general principles of parliamentary law. 

Of Closing the Sessions. 

50. The Moderator of every court, above the 
church session, in finally closing its sessions, 
in addition to prayer, may cause to be sung an 
appropriate psalm or hymn, and shall pronounce 
the apostolic benediction. 



